CPS Homes

Government launches free legal advice service for occupants facing possession proceedings

We’re writing to make you aware of the Government’s new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service for England and Wales.
 
If we manage your property, don’t worry – we’re here to help! But if we don’t manage your property, here’s some advice.
 
What is the new scheme?
The scheme will provide £10 million in legal aid per year to help anyone facing possession proceedings. This means more contract-holders will have legal representation, so possession claims will take longer.
 
Contract-holders (tenants) can secure help from the moment a written notice tells them that someone is seeking possession: whether it’s be the landlord or a mortgage company. It’s as easy as going on the Government website and searching for their nearest Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service provider.
 
A housing expert will help the contract-holder to identify why someone is seeking possession and recommend potential solutions. Legal advice can be provided on the following:

  • Illegal eviction
  • Rent arrears
  • Disrepair and other problems with the housing conditions
  • Mortgage arrears
  • Welfare benefit payments
  • Debt

If the matter between the person seeking possession and the contract-holder cannot be resolved, a Government-funded housing expert can also provide free legal advice and representation in court.
 
Our advice to you:
If we manage your property, sit back and relax – we’ll do all of the below for you!
 
If we don’t manage your property and you decide to start possession proceedings, you need to follow the steps below:

  • Serve notice using the correct procedure
  • Serve the right notice
  • Use the correct notice period

If something is done wrong in the process of serving notice, the government-funded service can pick up on this and use it as a reason for the contract-holder to not move out. This means you’ll have to wait even longer to regain possession.

And don't forget: the notices have completely changed in Wales since The Renting Homes (Wales) Act came into force.
 
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us: roath@cpshomes.co.uk

23 August 2023

    The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.

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