# Mortgage Payment Problems

> What to do if you are struggling with mortgage payments — the support lenders must offer, the Mortgage Charter, and where to get free debt advice.

Canonical page: [/mortgages/mortgage-payment-problems](/mortgages/mortgage-payment-problems/) · Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

If you are worried about keeping up with your mortgage, act early. Lenders must treat you fairly and offer support, and free independent debt advice is available.

## Key information

- Contact your lender as soon as you think you may struggle — do not wait
- FCA rules require lenders to deal fairly with customers in difficulty
- The Mortgage Charter offers options such as a temporary switch to interest-only
- Repossession must be a last resort after other options have been explored

## Act early and talk to your lender

The most important step is to contact your lender as soon as you see a problem coming, rather than missing payments in silence. Lenders would generally rather find a workable solution than repossess a home, and reaching out early gives you the widest range of options.

Under the FCA’s Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business rules, a lender must deal fairly with a customer who is in payment difficulty, must consider the options you put forward, and must treat repossession as a last resort.

## The Mortgage Charter

Lenders covering most of the UK mortgage market have signed the Mortgage Charter, which sets out extra support for borrowers. The available options depend on your circumstances and are agreed with your lender.

- A temporary switch to interest-only payments for up to six months
- Extending your mortgage term to reduce monthly payments, with the ability to switch back within six months
- A commitment that you will not be forced to leave your home within 12 months of a first missed payment, except in exceptional circumstances
- Tailored support such as [capitalising arrears](/debt-money-problems/mortgage-arrears) or agreeing a payment arrangement

## Get free debt advice

You do not have to face this alone, and you should never pay for debt advice. [Free, confidential and independent help](/debt-money-problems/finding-free-debt-advice) is available from organisations such as MoneyHelper, StepChange and Citizens Advice, who can help you understand your options and deal with your lender.

## Your rights

- FCA rules require your lender to treat you fairly if you are in arrears and to consider reasonable proposals you make.
- A lender must only seek repossession as a last resort, once other reasonable options have been exhausted.
- If you believe your lender has not treated you fairly, you can complain and take an unresolved complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service free of charge.

## Official sources

- [MoneyHelper — behind on your mortgage](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/homes-and-mortgages/behind-on-your-mortgage)
- [FCA — Mortgage Charter](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/mortgage-charter)
- [Financial Ombudsman Service](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk)

## Related

- [Mortgage Affordability](/mortgages/mortgage-affordability/)
- [Mortgage Arrears](/debt-money-problems/mortgage-arrears/)
- [Finding Free Debt Advice](/debt-money-problems/finding-free-debt-advice/)
- [Budget Planner](/tools-calculators/budget-planner/)

## Sources

- FCA — [Mortgage Charter](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/mortgage-charter) (accessed 2026-08-22)
- FCA — [MCOB 13: Arrears, payment shortfalls and repossessions](https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/MCOB/13/) (accessed 2026-08-22)
- MoneyHelper — [Behind on your mortgage](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/homes-and-mortgages/behind-on-your-mortgage) (accessed 2026-08-22)