If you need help or advice with a housing problem contact the housing options team to arrange an interview.

Housing options interview

The initial interview may last about 45 minutes and you should bring all relevant paperwork with you.  For example this could include:

• a tenancy agreement
• notice to quit
• notice seeking possession
• court documents
• arrears letter.

The Housing Options Adviser will talk to you about your current situation, discuss any difficulties you are having and help you look at your options to either

• help you stay in your current home
• find alternative housing

Advice and information

We will look at your individual circumstances and give you realistic advice and information about your options.

We will

• negotiate with your landlord/parents
• give information about your rights as a tenant and illegal evictions
• give advice and put you in touch with money and debt advice specialists
• give advice on mediation, counselling and long term housing suppport

We will also help you explore your other housing options including

• how to apply for shared ownership
• how to find private rented accommodation(including renting from YorHome)
• social housing through the York housing register or through other housing associations
• supported housing

Specialist advice

The Housing Options Adviser may also offer you further advice and support by referring you to a specialist advisor or legal representative.

• a solicitor - the Legal Services Commission website lists solicitors with specialist contracts
• mediation services - Homeless Prevention and Neighbour Dispute Mediation
• duty court service providing housing advice for people at risk of repossession -Keyhouse (previously HARP)
• specialist debt advice
• housing support (for tenants, owner occupiers, people living with friends or relatives) - Single Access Point
• domestic violence - IDAS
• Salvation Army - who offer specialist advice and support for single homeless people
• Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) for housing and debt advice. To find out more about where and when to book an appointment for free and confidential advice or to find out details of drop-in sessions you can download the CAB Housing Related Debt Advice leaflet on the right hand side of this page.

If you are being taken to court for mortgage arrears, rent arrears or nuisance behaviour you should contact the duty court desk or solictor for legal representation.  The York court duty scheme is run by Keyhouse.