26 March 2024
A history of previous evictions won’t dampen the Let’s Talk Renting team’s enthusiasm to support a tenant to get an at-risk tenancy back on track – and prevent the risk of homelessness.
In this instance, a single, 35 year-old British man approached Let’s Talk Renting for support, after receiving a Section 8 notice from his landlord.
Section 8 eviction notices can be issued by landlords when they have clear legal grounds to end a tenancy and take possession of the property, such as rent arrears.
While it wasn’t the first time that the client had faced the threat of eviction, advisors at Let’s Talk Renting, which is operated by Citizens Advice BCP, delved deep to uncover the reasons why the tenant was no longer honouring his obligation to pay rent to his landlord.
Overcoming obstacles
It turned out that the tenant had lost his job in October and, as a result, had stopped paying his rent. With literacy difficulties and limited access to the internet, he didn’t understand the Section 8 notice or know what to do to resolve the situation.
Fortunately, the team at Let’s Talk Renting are experts in all aspects of private tenancies, and will work with clients to maximise their income, even in the most challenging situations.
Although the tenant did not understand the processes of applying for benefits, or if he was entitled to receive financial assistance, he was supported with an application for Universal Credit, while negotiations took place with the landlord. He was referred to the Homelessness Prevention Team, too.
Repayment plan activated
As a result of early intervention to resolve the issue, the landlord withdrew the notice, removing the imminent threat of homelessness. With an application for benefits now active, the tenant gained rights to access to support through the Homelessness Prevention Fund.
The application is being managed and completed by a housing officer, because the level of rent arrears was too high for Citizens Advice to support it.
While the process is completed, the client has started to repay rent arrears directly to his landlord, while the landlord has agreed to a proposed repayment plan, which is based on affordability for his tenant. As a result, the eviction is off, the tenant will remain in his home and his landlord will see the outstanding rent re-paid. A win-win situation for all involved.
