Remaining in your property
Landlords can evict an assured shorthold tenant after giving two months notice (usually referred to as a section 21 notice) and getting a court order. Most privately rented tenants are assured shorthold tenants. Do not leave your accommodation unless you have found alternative accommodation or are required by law to leave. Remember, only a bailiff can evict you and they need an order from the court. If a landlord wants to begin action to evict you, they must follow certain eviction procedures.
If you are lodging with friends/family, resident landlord, or in tied accommodation then your rights of occupation may be limited.
If you have been given notice to leave or have been given 56 days to leave a property, you may be classed as threatened with being homeless.
If you are having difficulty managing your home there may be a service that could help you:
- contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to see if you may qualify for any financial assistance. You could also use a benefit calculator
- Welfare rights may be able to check if you would be entitled to any benefit
- seek advice for debt from the National Debtline
- contact Lancashire Social Care for an assessment of your needs if you think you need help with personal care or a disabled adaptation
- if you are experiencing domestic abuse contact Fylde Coast Women's Aid or contact the police. There are a number of things that can be done to help, including support to access a place of safety, or emotional and tenancy support. Alternatively, you may benefit from a sanctuary scheme which is additional security measures to help you remain in your home and feel safer
- older or disabled persons can get free advice and assistance with repairs, improvements and adaptations to their home from Care and Repair