Media

Housing Rights works to achieve positive change by promoting and protecting the rights of people in housing need. We work to make sure that the voices of the people we help are heard and their problems are reported.

We are happy to provide spokespersons who can comment on a range of housing issues such as:

Welfare reform and housing
Finding accommodation
Homelessness
Repossession
Rights when renting privately
Housing conditions

If you would like information, comment, or would like to speak to one of our spokespeople email us at [email protected] or telephone 02890 245640.

Press releases

Below you'll find some of our recent press releases explaining the difficulties people in Northern Ireland face when trying to find or keep a suitable home.

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Today not tomorrow-Getting help early could save your home

1 June 2015

In today’s difficult economic climate many local households continue to struggle with debt. Local charity Housing Rights is urging people not to put off dealing with mortgage debt and to get free independent advice as early as possible.

That is the key message of a new promotional campaign launched today by Housing Rights with the help of Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA.

Janet Hunter, Director with Housing Rights said:

Don’t put your home in danger through debt this Christmas

17 December 2014

Local charity Housing Rights Service (HRS) is urging people not to forget about paying their mortgage or rent over the Christmas period.

Ursula Toner, Advice Services Manager with HRS, said: “Everybody wants to ensure their family has a great Christmas and it’s so easy to overspend. Paying your rent or mortgage should always be a priority; no one wants to start the New Year faced with losing their home.”

Getting the right advice can prevent homelessness

26 November 2014

People who become homeless are facing major problems finding affordable rented accommodation due to housing shortages. Local advice charity Housing Rights Service (HRS) set up almost 50 years ago, says more help is needed to prevent homelessness occurring in the first place. The charity is highlighting the issue as part of Homelessness Awareness Week.

Most people who contact HRS for assistance are either homeless or at risk of losing their home.

Ursula Toner, Advice Services Manager with HRS said:

Going to court saves homes

14 November 2014

As the latest NI repossession statistics are published, Housing Rights Service (HRS) is urging householders to continue to avail of free independent advice and to turn up to court hearings.

Housing Rights Service operates a dedicated Mortgage Debt Advice Service on behalf of the Department for Social Development. It also provides emergency representation at Court.

Maria McNally, a specialist legal adviser with the charity said:

Tenants call for improvements to private renting

5 November 2014

Local charity Housing Rights Service (HRS) is holding an event in Belfast today to encourage debate on how to make renting privately in Northern Ireland a more attractive housing option.

Faced with long waiting lists for social housing and continued difficulties finding a mortgage, more families and individuals are turning to private landlords for accommodation.

Tenants brief MLAs on issues with renting privately in NI

23 October 2014

A group of tenants who have come together to help improve conditions in private rented sector, met with members of the NI Assembly’s Committee for Social Development in Belfast today.

The Tenants Forum was set up in 2012, supported by Housing Rights Service (HRS). Its aim is to encourage tenant participation to advocate for change, and support improvements in the private rented sector

Members of the forum met with the Committee at HRS’ offices. Tracey McKeating, Chairperson of the forum said:

Bank of Scotland held to account over bad practice with with customers' mortgage arrears

19 August 2014

Bank of Scotland held to account over bad practice with customers’ mortgage arrears.

A group of Bank of Scotland mortgage holders have won their High Court Case in Belfast over a problem relating to how the lender was dealing with their mortgage arrears. All three customers were facing possession action at the time and were represented by Northern Ireland advice charity, Housing Rights Service.

Top tips for new students thinking about renting privately

14 August 2014

As students across NI get their “A” level results, local charity Housing Rights Service has come up with handy tips and a short video for anyone thinking about renting privately.

Many students heading off to College or University will choose to rent privately. The sector has grown rapidly in recent years and now makes up for 17% of all households, nearly 130,000 homes in Northern Ireland.

New video helps private tenants find the key to successful renting

25 June 2014

Local charity Housing Right Service is launching a new video for anyone thinking about renting privately at the Welcome Organisation in Belfast today.

New first citizen of Belfast shows her support for a vision where everyone has a home

5 June 2014

Belfast’s new Lord Mayor has joined local charity Housing Rights Service (HRS) as they celebrate 50 years of service by launching a vision of a Northern Ireland where everyone has a home.

The charity, which was established in Belfast in 1964, works to improve lives by tackling homelessness and housing problems. It operates a daily advice service across Northern Ireland to help people get to grips with their housing problems. Last year HRS helped people deal with over 40,000 housing problems. That represents an increase of nearly 400% compared to the previous decade.

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