Housing Advice

How we can help you

• Help with debt and budgeting advice
• Advice on your housing rights, homelessness, possession and disrepair
• Assist in disputes with landlords
• Help you check for benefits and grants
• Help you apply for a council tax reductions 
• Help apply for available grants in your area

Housing Rights In The UK

When you have a problem with your landlord or your home, your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities depend on the type of rental agreement you have.

If you know what type of rental agreement you have, you can find out what rights you have when dealing with things like:

• getting repairs done

• paying your rents

• dealing with rent increase

• your home's energy efficiency

• being asked to leave your home

• ending your rental agreement

• getting your deposit back

You can check what type of private rental agreement you have if you’re not sure.

Your rights are different if you rent from the council or a housing association - check your rights when you rent from a council or a housing association.

Your rights are different if you rent from the council or a housing association - check your rights when you rent from a council or a housing association.

Some types of rental agreement will mean you’re not a private tenant and your rights will be more complicated. If you have one of these agreements, you should get help from your nearest support agency. For example, you won’t be a private tenant if your home is:

• a holiday let
• a Crown tenancy
• business premises
• arranged by your local council because you’re homeless
• let to you as part of your job
• let to you by an agricultural landlord - for example, if you rent a farm

Homelessness In The UK

if you disagree with the council's decision about your homeless application you should challenge it by asking for a review.

You can ask for a review of most decisions, including if:

• the council says they don't have to help you with housing - for example because you're not in priority need
• if the council says they can't give you help to keep your home or find a new one
• if you're not happy with your housing plan
• the council says you don't have a local connection
• you think the housing you're offered is unsuitable

You must normally ask for a review within 21 days of getting your decision. In some cases you might be able to apply later but this can be complex. Contact your nearest support agency if you've missed the deadline.

It's best to write to your local council asking them to review their decision. If you prefer, you can phone or go to the council to tell them you want a review.

You should also let the council know if your circumstances have changed as this could help your review. For example, if your health has got worse. Sometimes it can be better to make a new homeless application - this a complex area. Contact your nearest support agency to check if it's best to make a new application.