Housing

Housing Problems

Housing problems are always worrying. If you cannot find any of the papers referred to on the following pages, do not let this stop you coming to the CAB for help straight away. We can give you some information and perhaps reassurance straight away.

As well as your rights and obligations written into your housing contract, you may have additional statutory rights. These cannot be taken away from you.

You should seek help if you experience domestic violence, emergency accommodation should be available to you.

What can the CAB do to help?

We can:

Tell you what kind of tenancy you have, what level of security it provides and who is responsible for repairs
Negotiate with your landlord if you have difficulty doing so
Help you find legal assistance when necessary
Help you defend eviction or possession proceedings
Advise you about your rights to local authority accommodation and help you pursue those rights
Advise you about benefit help if you have difficulty paying your housing costs
Help you if you can't get your deposit returned
Advice regarding emergency accommodation

What do you need to do?

You need to:

Bring a copy of your tenancy agreement if you have one
Bring any letters you have from the landlord, solicitors and the County Court
Tell us where you live, when you moved in, how much rent you pay and whether your landlord or his family live in, and share parts of, the same house
If you are in arrears (rent or mortgage), try to bring details showing how much you should be paying regularly; how much you owe and how much you have paid
If your accomodation is linked to your job bring any details which might explain the link, e.g. an employment contract
Tell us if you have no place to live now, or will be in this position in the near future, or if you have no right to be living where you currently live. You may qualify for help under the special rules for homeless people
Tell us if anyone tries to threaten you with violence, tries to evict you without a court order, makes your life difficult or makes you feel afraid - you have the right to the quiet enjoyment of your home