Housing options

The Housing Options team are able to give information and advice on a wide range of housing issues including your legal rights.

Housing options drop-in sessions are available, without an appointment, at the following times at the Town Hall;

• Monday to Friday from 9.00am until 5.00pm

If your situation is an emergency and you are faced with homelessness we will try and ensure that a Housing Options officer is available for you during office hours.

You may find it helpful to come in and see a Housing Options officer if you:

• are living in privately rented accommodation and your landlord is asking you to leave
• are living with family or friends and they have asked you to leave
• have become, or think that you are likely to become homeless
• are experiencing domestic abuse
• are having difficulties paying your rent or mortgage
• would like information on accessing privately rented accommodation

When you come and see a Housing Options officer it would be useful if you could bring all relevant documentation with you, such as:

• court papers
• tenancy agreement
• proof of identity for each member of the household
• proof of pregnancy
• proof of income

The Housing Options officer will explore your housing options including:

• negotiating with landlord/parents/friends
• information on UChoose in order to apply for social housing
• how to apply for shared ownership schemes
• private renting properties via the Bond Assistance Scheme
• supported housing schemes

The Housing Options officer may also refer you to other specialist housing providers in the area.

There are also some free legal advice surgeries in the area.