Bank of Ireland increase differential on tracker rates

Bank of Ireland increase differential on tracker rates

10:32 AM, 28th February 2013, About 12 years ago 1862

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The story of the Bank of Ireland decision to increase to the differential (interest rate margin) on  tracker mortgages started on this forum when a professional landlord contacted Property118 within minutes of a letter from Bank of Ireland landing on his door mat. What ensued was outrage from landlords and affected residential mortgage borrowers. The story was quickly picked up by the National Media as it wasn’t just the 13,500 affected borrowers who were worried.

Will this set a precedent for other mortgage lenders to follow?

Property118 reacted by using funds donated to The GOOD Landlords Campaign to underwrite the cost of a barristers opinion on the legality of the Bank of Ireland’s actions. The remainder of this thread,one of the most read and most commented threads of all time on Property118, continues to tell the story as it unfolds.

If you want to skip the story and cut to the chase simply CLICK HERE

Of the 13,500 affected borrowers, 1,200 have had the decision reversed by Bank of Ireland. With additional support and pressure we believe all affected borrowers can and will see justice done.

___________________________________________

Lee, a professional Landlord asks, “help! I have just received a letter from the Bank of Ireland stating they want to increase the differential on my tracker rates.

I have 12 mortgages with the Bank of Ireland previously Bristol and West. I have been on a base rate tracker of 1.75% above base, but now Bank of Ireland are using some fine print claiming they have to recapitalise and saying the ‘new differential will be 4.49%.

How can I fight back?”

The original policy wording seems to be:

6 INTEREST

Charging interest at a tracker rate

(j) Unless we change the differential (if any) under condition 6 (n), we will not change the tracker rate unless the base rate changes.

(m) in condition 6 (n):
– a “positive differential” means a percentage which we add to the base rate to arrive at the tracker rate; and a “negative differential” means a percentage which we subtract from the base rate to arrive at the tracker rate.

(n) We may reduce a positive differential or increase a negative differential at our discretion by giving you not less than seven days written notice. This means that we can change the differential in a way that is favourable to you.

The above seems to indicate that they can reduce the rate in my favour, but not give them the right to increase it. Am I correct?


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Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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11:10 AM, 28th April 2013, About 11 years ago

@Lee Gough - I would prefer Justin to respond to that question. I will let him know.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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11:14 AM, 28th April 2013, About 11 years ago

@Jackie - I don't know what Gary posted but I have posted both detailed explainations and links back to this thread on articles which have appeared on both the RLA and NLA websites. I have done similar regarding The GOOD Landlords Campaign and Deed of Assurance. Several such posts have been moderated out.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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11:14 AM, 28th April 2013, About 11 years ago

@Jackie - I don't know what Gary posted but I have posted both detailed explanations and links back to this thread on articles which have appeared on both the RLA and NLA websites. I have done similar regarding The GOOD Landlords Campaign and Deed of Assurance. Several such posts have been moderated out.

Justin Selig - solicitor

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18:03 PM, 28th April 2013, About 11 years ago

In response to @Lee Gough's earlier comment today - we have encouraged everyone to raise a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service as it is there to support borrowers who have a complaint against their mortgagee. This should be the first port of call for everyone.

I will be writing a formal letter this week to both the Bank of Ireland on behalf of those borrowers who have signed up to me and also to the Ombudsman in support of those who have already submitted a complaint. I will be putting across the legal arguments we have been advised of by our barrister.

If the Ombudsman decides not to take this forward we will then have no option but to commence legal proceedings, but this is a last resort as involves extra costs for everyone.

I hope to update the forum tomorrow when we receive the final version of the barrister's opinion.

Geoff H

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18:41 PM, 28th April 2013, About 11 years ago

Justin - is it still your intention to send out a sample letter that will assist us in complaining to FOS? - pending that I have been holding off sending my own version. Thanks.

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9:04 AM, 29th April 2013, About 11 years ago

Justin emailed jemma friday for joining up form no reply yet I no she,s busy but if your going to write to bank this week & the FOS, then im getting a bit concerned ill miss the boat.

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9:06 AM, 29th April 2013, About 11 years ago

@Geoff H

Me too, I'm awaiting the letter/direction to word my FOS complaint. I need for find an additional £280 from 6th May. (The first of two rises!)

ian

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9:33 AM, 29th April 2013, About 11 years ago

Ditto on the signing up form, friday afternoon was only a few hours & office hours are usually from 9 week days,

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12:23 PM, 29th April 2013, About 11 years ago

This is getting extremely difficult just to sign up. emails are for quickness, surely its only a case of click & send ?

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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12:30 PM, 29th April 2013, About 11 years ago

@Jackie - we have regulators to thank for that, apparently all the grief over proof of ID and and residence is for our own protection against money laundering so they tell us. More like keeping them in jobs I reckon! LOL

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