A to Z:

Housing - legal advice and support

County court housing advice and representation schemes aim to provide free, independent and confidential advice and representation to homeowners and tenants attending hearings in possession proceedings brought on grounds of arrears, who either have not previously obtained advice and/or are without legal representation.

Most schemes have been initiated by advice agencies and/or solicitors in private practice who attend court on a voluntary basis, but the impetus for some has come from the courts.

The way in which schemes are organised varies considerably. The main distinctions are:

  • some deal with either mortgage or rent cases - others with both
  • activities at court are commonly limited to dealing with repossession cases, but some also provide help with other matters, e.g. debt problems unrelated to housing
  • most involve duty advisers attending court on a rota basis on set days when cases are listed for hearing - only a few have a permanent or daily presence at court
  • some are staffed by advisers from only one advice agency, others by advisers from several agencies, including local solicitors' firm.

As well as performing their core role, these schemes are well placed to identify other advice needs which might otherwise not be met. Few can meet clients' every need for advice, but duty advisers are often able to make referrals to agencies which can.

  • If you have money problems and contact the council, you may be able to pay your outstanding rent by instalments. You may even find you can claim benefits such as housing or council tax to help with your bills. Council officers can also put you in touch with money advisors who will help you manage your budget by: 
     
    Discussing whether you can cut your spending
  • Talking to you about managing your priority debts
  • Working out what you have left to pay non priority debts

Do not ignore the problem of mounting debt. It won’t go away.
There are other agencies who may also be able to help such as:

Even if you are a council tenant with children you risk losing your home if you don’t pay your rent on time.