With the Government’s ban on Evictions coming to an end on Monday 31st May, Sefton Council is urging any local tenants or landlords expecting problems to get in touch.
The Government brought in the ban in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It was extended from its original September deadline but will now end on the last day of May.
Sefton Council’s Homeless Prevention Service can provide advice to the Borough’s tenants and landlords.
They can help tenants find support to help them maintain their tenancy or with moving on to more affordable and suitable accommodation. And they can assist landlords that are facing issues such as rent arrears and late or inconsistent rent payments.
Landlords who have concerns about vulnerable tenants can also contact the team for support in resolving the situation.
The Homeless Prevention Service can be contacted at homeless.prevention@sefton.gov.uk or by calling 07966 698 065 or 07870 379586.
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many people’s circumstances and incomes is likely to be making the costs of housing a problem for some people in Sefton.
“We want any tenants who think they might be facing problems after the Government ends its eviction ban at the end of May to contact us as soon as possible so that we can work with them to find practical solutions.
“And we want to hear from landlords expecting difficulties, so that we can help them reach practical solutions without the lost rent and other costs that can result from evictions and disputes.”
Sefton Council wants to hear from tenants who have received an eviction notice or have rent arrears, who are managing outstanding and current debts or who are trying to reduce their expenses or get the most from their income.
People having problems applying for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) and with concerns about their own or family members’ mental health, drug or alcohol issues affecting your tenancy should also contact the service.
Landlords who contact the team may be concerned about affordability issues due to a change in circumstances, anti-social behaviour, their tenant’s mental health, addiction or other vulnerabilities that are affecting the tenancy.
Cllr Hardy added: “It is not always easy to talk about these issues, but Sefton Council’s Homeless Prevention Service can help start that conversation easier and then to find constructive ways to overcome the problems.
“I would urge any tenants or landlords who are worried to contact the Team now at homeless.prevention@sefton.gov.uk or on 07966 698 065 or 07870 379586.”
People can also find out more information at www.sefton.gov.uk/housing or www.gov.uk/if-youre-homeless-at-risk-of-homelessness