Problems With Your Tenancy?
The Homeless Prevention Team are part of the Housing Options Service. We give advice and information about a wide range of housing issues. Our aim is to intervene at an early stage to prevent people from losing their accommodation.
For general housing queries you can phone for advice on 477760 or you can come in and see an advisor at our South King Street offices.
Following the restructure of the Housing Options service we have changed some of our working processes and we now operate a generic approach to initial assessments. This means that customers now only have to complete one assessment form to be able to access all housing options.
With effect from Monday 31 October 2011 we will be closed to the public on Wednesday mornings until 1.00pm. Telephone contact however will still be available on 477760 for urgent enquiries.
In addition, from the same date, we will be introducing an appointment system to provide a better quality service and reduce waiting times for our customers.
Mortgage Rescue
The Government has launched a number of initiatives to assist homeowners in mortgage difficulties or facing possession. Click here to view government website.
One of the initiatives is the mortgage rescue scheme which Blackpool Council Housing Advice Service is the nominated agency to process applications.
Details can be found in the NHAS leaflet.
In addition, the Housing Options Service provides advice on the range of other options available and also on legal advice available to homeowners facing possession.
Customers can contact Housing Options by calling into South King Street, Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm and ask to speak to a Housing Advice Assessor. Alternatively they can telephone the housing advice enquiry line on 01253 477760 or e-mail housing.advice@blackpool.gov.uk
Harassment and Illegal Eviction
Harassment
For these kind of problems there is a specialist service provided by Homeless Prevention Officers (HPOs) who deal particularly with harassment and illegal eviction by landlords.
Illegal Eviction
An illegal eviction is where the landlord or somebody else excludes a residential occupier without a court order. This is often done by changing the locks, but sometimes violent or threatening behaviour is used.
Harassment
This is where the landlord or somebody else deliberately interferes with your ability to live in your home in peace. Acts of harassment include: physical threats constant visits to your home to demand that you leave disconnection of electricity or gas deliberate damage to your belongings, etc.
Protection from Eviction
If your landlord (or anyone else) is trying to force you out of your home without a court order, they are probably acting illegally. It is a criminal offence to harass or unlawfully evict someone from their home. If you think that you are being forced out illegally you can ask to speak to the council's Homeless Prevention Officer.
The council has powers to prosecute offenders under the Protection from Eviction Act. In very serious cases, landlords have been sent to jail. Although not everyone who pays rent is protected under this law, most are and the Homeless Prevention Officer can advise you about this.
The main role of the Homeless Prevention Officer is to enforce the laws which exist to protect residents' rights. The Homeless Prevention Officer’s provide expert, impartial and confidential advice and, of course, the service is free. They can advise you about all your legal remedies. They can even help you find a specialist solicitor if you need one.
Even if you have rent arrears or your tenancy agreement has expired, the law will still protect you from illegal eviction and harassment. We are located at the Housing Options building in South King Street, Blackpool, FY1 4TR.
You can make an appointment at our office:-
Monday to Thursdays 10 am - 5pm
Fridays 10 am - 4.30pm
You can contact us in the following ways:-
By post to
Homeless Prevention Team
Housing Options
South King Street
Blackpool
FY1 4TR
or telephone : 01253 477760
or Fax : 01253 477766
email: housing.advice@blackpool.gov.uk
Some useful links that may be of help to you.
Housing benefit
Council Tax
Discretionary Housing Payment
Welfare Benefits Information
CAB
Shelter
Shelter information on rent and mortgage arrears
The Homeless Prevention Team will do all they can to help you |