HERTFORD HOUSING SUPPORT
Whether you’re paying a mortgage or renting, it can be worrying not knowing if you’ll be able to stay in your home if you’re struggling with housing costs.
This section will provide you with practical advice on how to avoid house repossession as well as what to expect if you fall into rent arrears or have difficulty paying your mortgage.
We understand that staying in your home is the absolute priority. So if you’re struggling with these costs the most important thing to do is talk to us. We’ll put a realistic budget together for you, advise you on how to deal with your mortgage lender or landlord and avoid eviction.
If you’re facing eviction or repossession use our online debt advice tool, as soon as possible. You’ll get expert advice on what steps you need to take to stay in your home. You can also contact us (freephone, including all mobiles) to talk to us about your situation.
East Herts Council can be contacted by using this link: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/contact-housing
The Housing Options Team are here to provide free information, assistance and specialist advice to landlords, tenants and owner occupiers to help keep you in your home or to help you find an alternative https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/housing-options
You should seek housing advice as soon as you have an issue that threatens your ability to remain in your accommodation in the long term. Always get housing advice before you leave a tenancy if you haven’t got suitable long-term accommodation to move to https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice
The council’s duties towards households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness are set out in the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 which placed new legal duties on Local Authorities with a focus on preventing homelessness https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/homeless-or-threatened-homelessness
Domestic violence and abuse is defined as; any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/homeless-or-threatened-homelessness/housing-advice-domestic-violence-and-abuse
Here is some really helpful information about finding private rented accommodation: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice/finding-private-rented-accommodation
Here is a link to a helpful list of local housing association contact phone numbers for the local area: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/housing/housing-association-contact-numbers
Citizens Advice (previously Citizens Advice Bureau) is a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer, and other problems. You can find your local service by following the link.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/
Helping Herts Homeless is a team of volunteers that focuses on addressing the needs of the Homeless in Hertfordshire call: 01462 600 425 or website
HYH focus on preventing homelessness in Young People aged between 16 – 24-year-olds from helping with education in schools and family mediation to supporting young people in their first homes or caring for adults of all ages who have mental health issues and housing needs. Website or call: 03000 355 775
Herts Mind Network also offer support to people who are having difficulties with their mental health and housing. Website for details or call: 0203 3727 3600 or email: info@hertfordshiremind.org
Our aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives.
We ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to food and provisions. We provide a range of accommodation options to support people to move on and sustain their own tenancy and we provide advice and training; empowering people to develop skills and confidence to build a better future and be an active member of their community.
We offer people who have experienced homelessness with a place to call home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in our social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to gain new skills helps our companions to regain any lost self-esteem and confidence so they can get back on their feet.
CALL: 0300 303 7555 or EMAIL: contact@emmaus.org.uk
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. Talk to an expert housing adviser if you’re in urgent need of housing advice.
You should use this line if: You have nowhere to sleep, or might be homeless soon, You have somewhere to sleep, but nowhere to call home or You are/could be at risk of harm.
Our FREE helpline is open every day of the year: 0808 800 44 44 8am – 8pm on weekdays /9am – 5pm on weekends