Preventing Eviction
Harry* contacted Housing Rights after a change in circumstances meant he had to switch from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit. He believed that the payment for housing costs was being paid to his landlord, as this is what had happened with Housing Benefit. However, this was not the case, and Harry was now in arrears of over £5,000, as several months had passed. Harry was referred by our Helpline team to the Mediation service to assist with finding a resolution with the landlord and our Casework team to maximise income and discuss financial capability.
The Mediation team reached out to the landlord, and he was willing to engage in the process. The team facilitated a resolution between both parties, ensuring that housing payments were made to the landlord. It was discovered through mediation that Rates Rebate was being paid directly to the property's Land and Property account, which the landlord was unaware of. This reduced the arrears by £750.
There was a shortfall in the rent once all housing costs were paid to the landlord. The Casework team assisted with an application for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Through our Mediation service, the final payment to meet the shortfall was agreed, but his ability to afford the arrears was limited.
Harry had recently applied for Person Independent Payment due to his health issues. It was agreed that the remaining arrears would be addressed once this was processed. Both parties were invited to return to Mediation to discuss a repayment plan for the arrears, once PIP was processed, if needed.
*Name has been changed to maintain privacy