As there is a shortage of affordable housing in Hounslow it is important to consider whether moving is actually going to help you or if there are ways to stay in your current home and make it work better for you.
Asked to leave by your landlord?
You should always get advice if you have been asked to leave your home. We can check whether you have a legal right to stay in your current property. You don’t necessarily have to leave just because you’ve been told to. Landlords and mortgage lenders have rules to follow if they want to evict you; this normally means that you are entitled to written notice and a court order, which will give you time to arrange somewhere else to live. Even if you have already left your property, you may be able to move back in.
If you live with your landlord as a lodger there are fewer rules for them to follow, they should still give you reasonable notice, but this may vary with your circumstances.
Adaptations
If you are finding it difficult to move around your property because of a disability, we may be able to help with an adaptation so you do not have to move. We can help you with things like grab rails for your bathroom or entrance, a ramp, widening doors for wheelchair users or a stair lift. There are rules which say who can receive this help, we can discuss this with you and see what changes will help you the most in your home.
For more information contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 020 8583 3874/3876/3877.
Help with repairs
If you are leaving your rented home because of a problem with its condition for example, dampness or a broken boiler, there is help available. You must first report the problem to your landlord (or your landlord’s agent) to give them an opportunity to repair the problem. Most landlords do carry out repairs once they know about them, but if they will not we can help. We can approach your landlord informally or if necessary take enforcement action to ensure that your landlord undertakes any necessary repairs.
For more information call the Private Sector Housing Unit on 020 8583 3870.
Can’t afford where you live?
Renting privately can be expensive in Hounslow, however, you may be entitled to claim Local Housing Allowance (housing benefit) if you have a low income, to help you pay your rent. This could cover part, or all of your rental liability, depending on your circumstances. For people who receive benefits but still have a rental shortfall, you may be entitled to further help with a discretionary housing payment.
If you are experiencing any debt problems, it is important that you seek advice as soon as possible; early advice could prevent you from losing your home and will put your mind at rest about how to manage future repayments.
Find out if there are any benefits or tax credits that you can get to increase your income. You can always call our helpline on 020 8583 5016 to check or use the benefit calculator.
For more information if your having problems paying your mortgage and dealing with debts, see Documents for Download on the right of this page.
Getting help with your mortgage
If you own your home but are having difficulty with the mortgage repayments, you must seek urgent advice from your lender. There is only limited help that you can get with your mortgage payments if you have a low income. People are expected to take out insurance to cover them if their situation changes and they cannot make the payments. Some people may be able to get some help with their mortgage but this is limited.
For more information contact the Hounslow Welfare Benefits and Money Advice unit helpline on 020 8583 5016.
Disagreements with other people
It can be very difficult to share your home with family, friends or other tenants if you are not on good terms with them. Disputes over rent, sharing facilities or issues about behaviour can easily escalate to the point where you feel you need to leave. Discuss the things that are going wrong together with the other person and see whether you can reach an agreement about how to solve them. If you have left or are going to leave your home because of an argument or problems with your family you should get some advice straight away.
There is a range of agencies which can offer counselling or mediation to help you with the problems at home. If you have been asked to leave your home by your husband, wife or partner it is important to get some advice from a specialist agency as your rights and the rules are very complicated. Getting some advice might help you to go back to your home.
For young people, we ask you and your family to attend a mediation session if you cannot reach agreement yourselves. This is because there are very limited housing options available to young people and often you are better staying at home if you can.
Support in your own home
You may just need a little extra support to help you live independently in your own home. We can offer a range of help through our floating support and outreach support services.
These are:
managing debts, budgeting and applying for benefits;
helping you access other services and organisations that can provide support and help;
learning life and social skills;
finding out about work or college;
keeping an eye on your personal well-being; alarm systems to enable people to call for help in an emergency;
helping you deal with other professionals, family and neighbours.
Prevention & Housing Advice Team
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Telephone: 020 8583 3842
Lines are open weekdays between 9am and 5pm, or come to the Civic Centre and ask to see an adviser, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.15pm.The service is ‘first-come first-served’. You may have to wait to be seen at busy times.