Housing advice
The Housing Advice Service in Huntingdon provides advice and assistance on a wide range of housing related problems.
Many people living in accommodation in the private sector, are unsure of their rights and are unsure where they can go for help. Also, many landlords renting out accommodation are not aware that the Housing Advice Service can offer impartial advice regarding problems they may experience with their tenants.
The Housing Advice Service provides advice on
Notices to Quit Accommodation
This includes notices given to tenants because a tenancy is coming to an end, tenancy agreements that have expired or are expiring, and issues where tenants may have breached the terms of their tenancy agreement (for example, by non payment of rent).
Mortgage Arrears & Repossessions
People fall into mortgage arrears for many different reasons, such as unemployment or health problems. There are various options available which can prevent someone from losing their home, even if court proceedings have already begun. Further information is available on the mortgage repossession page on this website. See the link on the right hand side of this page.
Rent Increases
In most situations, a landlord must follow a set procedure if he wants a tenant to pay more rent.
Disrepair
People living in private rented accommodation can often have problems with disrepair and many landlords and tenants are not aware of their obligations. There are also some schemes available to people that own their homes.
Deposits
At the end of a tenancy, deposit money may be withheld for different reasons. Advice can be given to landlords and tenants in relation to this. Huntingdonshire District Council do run a Rental Deposit Scheme - details of which can be found on the link on the right.
Relationship Breakdown
Many people are not aware of their rights when they separate from a partner. Advice can be given regarding their housing situation and any benefits they may be entitled to.
Long Leaseholders with a Private Freeholder
Problems can be experienced with the Freeholder, for example, in relation to Service Charges.
Welfare Benefits
Many people are not aware of the wide range of benefits they may be entitled to. For example, checks can be carried out for people wanting to return to work if they are unsure how their benefits will be affected.
Homelessness
Advice can be given at any time if people think they may be homeless in the future, or where they are already homeless.
Housing Options
There are a range of options which are available to people who are looking for alternative housing.
Landlords
If you have a property to rent within Huntingdonshire, there are a variety of schemes available to assist you.
Housing Advice
If you wish to discuss your housing options, we offer a drop-in service Tuesday to Friday, at Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN. Details given below:
Tuesdays - Fridays 9.30 a.m - 11.30 a.m
This is on a first come, first served basis and numbers are restricted so it is advisable to arrive early to ensure you are seen. Please telephone in advance to check an advice session is running, particularly if you are coming from some distance away, as occasionally sessions may be cancelled at short notice.
We also offer a drop-in session at Yaxley Advice Centre on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month in the mornings. There are also surgeries at Ramsey Advice Centre on the 1st Thursday of the month in the mornings and every Thursday afternoon at Paines Mill Foyer, St Neots. Please be advised that you must call 01480 388218 to make an appointment for both Ramsey and St Neots surgeries.