Do you need housing advice? the following information may be useful
NHA can provide free and confidential housing advice to you. We provide this service on behalf of Newcastle Borough Council.
Helping us deal with your initial inquiry
Please bring with you any documents that you have relating to your housing issue. For example:
•A notice to quit, or notice seeking possession if you have been given one by your landlord;
•copy of letter from mortgage lender, solicitor or court if you are a home owner and your property is being repossessed;
•possession order or bailiff’s warrant if you have one;
•any letter from relatives or friends stating you must leave;
Please also bring any Home Office documentation you have about your asylum/immigration status if this applies to you;
I have a home but it isn't satisfactory
It is possible to get out of the agreement at any time if you can come to a mutual agreement with your landlord. This is called ‘surrender’. To be valid, both sides must agree, and it is always best to put what has been agreed in writing so everyone knows where they stand. If you have a joint tenancy all the joint tenants and the landlord must agree to the surrender. It is worth seeing if your landlord is willing to negotiate even if your tenancy agreement says you cannot leave early. It may be convenient for both of you!
Ending a tenancy agreement early
If the agreement is periodic (rolling from week to week or month to month), a tenant will normally have to give at least four weeks’ notice to end it, or a calendar month if it is a monthly tenancy. The notice must be in writing and must end on the first or last day of the tenancy, unless the tenancy agreement allows it to be ended on a different day. If rent is paid less frequently a tenant has to give at least one rental period of notice. So if rent is paid every two months, two months notice would be required. A tenant may choose to end a periodic tenancy be issuing a valid notice to quit to the landlord. Once the notice expires then the tenant’s agreement will have ended.
Ending a periodic tenancy agreement
If the agreement is periodic (rolling from week to week or month to month), a tenant will normally have to give at least four weeks’ notice to end it, or a calendar month if it is a monthly tenancy. The notice must be in writing and must end on the first or last day of the tenancy, unless the tenancy agreement allows it to be ended on a different day. If rent is paid less frequently a tenant has to give at least one rental period of notice. So if rent is paid every two months, two months notice would be required. A tenant may choose to end a periodic tenancy be issuing a valid notice to quit to the landlord. Once the notice expires then the tenant’s agreement will have ended.
I want to just walk away
Can I get someone else to move in?
What happens when my agreement runs out?
What if my landlord agrees that I can leave?
My landlord wants me to leave
What if the tenants just leave?
What if you have a joint tenancy or licence?
•If one of you leaves without ending the tenancy correctly, the whole rent will still be due and the other(s) will have to pay the missing person’s share.
•If one of you has caused damage, the landlord may be entitled to take money out of your shared deposit.
What other options are there?
When can a Section 21 notice to quit be issued?
I have a home but need to leave
We can refer you to a place of safety, such as a refuge. Refuges are safe houses run for women suffering domestic violence. Refuges provide somewhere safe for you to stay. Staff at refuges specialise in dealing with domestic violence, and so can give a lot of emotional and practical support. We will always try to get you into a refuge as locally as possible, however due to the nature of this type of accommodation, this is not always possible.
Victim of domestic violence and want to stay in your own home
We can refer you to the police domestic violence unit, to report the crime and they can also help and advise you with injunctions against your partner. We can also help to refer you to local agencies that will be able to offer you advice and support.
What is classed as abuse?
Physical attacks are the most obvious sign of domestic abuse. They do not need to leave visible marks to be damaging. Sexual abuse can include rape or forced participation in sexual acts you are uncomfortable with. Mental or emotional abusive acts attack your personality and emotional and well-being rather than your body. Mental abuse is not as obvious as physical abuse, but it can be just as harmful.
Financial abuse is where one partner controls all of the finance, often depriving the other partner of their financial independence or security. An example of this is where one partner does not give the other enough money to meet everyone’s needs in the household.
Newcastle Housing Advice works on a culture of belief. Your concerns will be believed and everything you share with us is done in the strictest of confidence. No actions will be taken without your agreement and permission. Women and men officers are available to conduct interviews, if you have a preference, please let us know.
Domestic Violence
Relationship breakdown
I need to find a home
•How will I pay the rent?
•How will I pay bills?
•Can I still afford to eat after the bills are paid?
•How can I afford if I am not working?
Under the government’s benefit rules, a single person under the age of 35 and claiming benefits may only be eligible for a relatively low amount of assistance with their rent, which is approximately £45 per week. Preparing properly makes the process easier and can help to avoid being homeless. Find out about your rights, talk to your family and friends, work out your finances and find a place to live before you leave. Call us on 0345 850 9698, or alternatively access Shelter’s website, or ring them on free phone 0808 8004444 to talk in confidence and receive housing advice.
I am staying with friend, but they have asked me to leave
We are a couple at risk of homelessness
I am a young person and have been asked to leave home, what can I do?
I need advice
General advice
Local Housing Allowance rates can be found on the Newcastle under Lyme Borough council website and this will help you decide if the property you have found is affordable. Most private landlords require rent in advance and a deposit. Newcastle Housing Advice can, in certain circumstances provide help with both of these requirements, via the Rent Deposit Scheme. In order to qualify for our help you must be homeless or threatened with homelessness, have a connection to Newcastle Borough and meet certain income requirements. If you wish to discuss this scheme to see if we can help you further, please contact us on 0345 850 9698.
About private tenancies
I already rent privately
What sort of advice is available?
•help with finding accommodation
•help with housing and welfare benefits
•Help to understand your legal rights.
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and housing benefit claims
Money advice
•check whether you are getting the correct benefits
•draw up a financial statement to see what money is available, if any, to pay creditors
•check liability for debts owed
•advise on what to pay first
•negotiate with creditors
•make applications to various trust funds for additional grants
•signpost to other advice agencies/information sources where necessary
I am in debt, what can I do?
Leaflets and Useful Information
NHA Leaflets
Housing Allocations Policy 2018
Do you need help with Furniture? NHA can assist with a referral to the furniture mine, Please contact us for information
The Citizens advice can offer a range of services, please visit their website for more information
Mental Health
Information and Support agencies available
If you wish to make an application for housing please register an application on Homes direct. – link also to other accommodation options page
The Lyme TrustHealth problems. They support people with substance misuse and addiction
Difficulties alongside any mental health issues.
37 London Road
Newcastle under Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 1LN
Tel: 01782 634510
Fax: 01782 625677
Email: thelymetrust@tiscali.co.uk
North Staffs Mind
83 Marsh Street North
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 5HN
Tel: 01782 262100
Mind info line 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9-6pm)
Legal Advice Line 0300 466 6463 (Mon-Fri, 9-6pm)
www.nsmind.org.uk
Rethink
Management support for people affected by mental illness aged 18 years and above, who are at risk of not accessing or Sustaining a home because of their mental health, vulnerability and / or a history of housing related problems.
0121 522 7007
Email: info@rethink.org
www.rethink.org
Access team
Provides mental health assessments, crisis support, telephone contact or face to face advice
Harplands Hospital
Hilton Road
Harpfields
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6RR
Tel: 0300 123 0907 (Access Team, choose option 1)
Web: www.combined.nhs.uk
Open 24/7
Staffordshire Mental Health telephone support
www.brigherfutures.org.uk
Arch
Helpline 01782 205 500
General enquires 01782 744533
www.archnorthstaffs.org.uk
Brighter futures
Changes
Samaritans
ECHO
Dove Service
Tel 01782 683155
www.thedoveservice.org.uk
One recovery
Tel 01782 662 585
Lifeline
Tel 01782 283113 Adults
Tel 01782 818570 / 221090 Young People
Leaving Hospital
If you have a local connection to Newcastle under Lyme and are you about to leave or recently left hospital and have not secured accommodation, you can contact us for advice and housing options.
Click Here To Register for housing
Leaving Care
If you are you about to leave or recently left care of a local authority and have not secured accommodation, you can contact us for advice and housing options.
The leaving care team have a legal duty to help you prepare for independent living, their contact details are
Staffordshire Looked after Children Services Team
The Civic Offices
Merrial Street
Newcastle under Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 2AG
Phone: 01782 296290
E-mail: leaving.care@staffordshire.gov.uk
Emergency duty number: 01785 354030
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/health/childrenandfamilycare/leavingcare/home.aspx
If you wish to apply for accommodation on the Newcastle under Lyme area, you will need to register on Homes Direct.
The Housing Associations we work with do not accept customers for a property until you reach 18.
For information on how the council can offer advice, you can visit the Shelter website
Useful contacts
Anew
Accommodation and support providers for care leavers in Stoke, Staffordshire & Cheshire
Tel: 01782 720094
E-mail: stoke@anewyps.co.uk
Website: www.anewyps.co.uk
Leaving the Armed Forces
If you are you about to leave or recently left the armed forces and served in the last 5 years and wish to live in the Newcastle under Lyme area, please register for accommodation with us on Homes Direct http://www.homesdirect.co.uk applications are given reasonable preference on the Newcastle Housing Advice Housing Register, for other accommodation options please look at Accommodation options factsheet (or link to sheet)
If you want more information about your housing rights and the council’s duties please visit Shelter’s website
Ex Service Personnel Guide
National Homeless Advice Service Publications
National Information and support services availableThe Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
Telephone: 020 7463 9398
Email: housing@ssafa.org.uk
Website: http://www.ssafa.org.uk
Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO)
Joint Service Housing Advice Office
Floor 1 Zone 1
Montgomery House
Queen’s Avenue
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 2JN
Advice line: 01252 787574
Email: AWS-JSHAO-Mailbox@mod.uk
Website: http://www.gov.uk
SPACES
SPACES
Regional Resettlement Centre
St. Aidan’s Road
Catterick Garrison Catterick
North Yorkshire
DL9 3AY
Telephone: 01748 833797 or 01748 872940 or 01748 830191
Fax: 01748 835774
Email: spaces@echg.org.uk
Website: http://www.spaces.org.uk
Royal British Legion
Legionline: 0808 802 8080
Website: http://www.britishlegion.org.uk
Veterans UK
Ministry of Defence
Norcross
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3WP
Veterans Helpline: 0808 1914218
Bereavement and textphone line: 0800 169 3458
Email: veterans-uk@mod.uk
Website: http://www.veterans-uk.info
Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation
446 Fulham Road
London
SW6 1DT
Telephone: 0207 385 2110
Website: http://www.oswaldstoll.org.uk
Veterans Aid
Victoria
London
SW1W 0RE
Helpline: 0800 012 68 67
Email: info@veterans-aid.net
Domestic Abuse
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, considering your housing options is a vital way of getting protection for yourself and your family and moving on with your life. Your safety is an important aspect of the choices you make. Domestic Abuse could be from a partner or family member. Domestic abuse can include acts that, while not physically violent, enable a person to exercise control and power over another. Domestic abuse can be shouting and rows, constantly being insulted or belittled, or being deprived of money. If your partner does anything that frightens or controls you, it could be domestic abuse. Remember also that violence is a criminal offence and against the law.
Domestic violence and want to stay in your own home
We can refer you to the police domestic violence unit, to report the crime and they can also help and advise you with injunctions against your partner. We can also help to refer you to local agencies that will be able to offer you advice and support.
What is classed as abuse?
Physical attacks are the most obvious sign of domestic abuse. They do not need to leave visible marks to be damaging. Sexual abuse can include rape or forced participation in sexual acts you are uncomfortable with. Mental or emotional abusive acts attack your personality and emotional and well-being rather than your body. Mental abuse is not as obvious as physical abuse, but it can be just as harmful.
Financial abuse is where one partner controls all of the finance, often depriving the other partner of their financial independence or security. An example of this is where one partner does not give the other enough money to meet everyone’s needs in the household.
Newcastle Housing Advice works on a culture of belief. Your concerns will be believed and everything you share with us is done in the strictest of confidence. No actions will be taken without your agreement and permission unless there is a safeguarding issue. Women and men officers are available to conduct interviews, if you have a preference, please let us know.
Nhas Factsheets
Useful contacts
Helpline numbers:
Arch North Staffs domestic violence helpline 01782 205500 9am – 3pm
24 hour domestic violence helpline 0808 2000 247
Staffordshire Police:
•non-urgent number 101
•In a emergency dial 999
Child line – 0800 11 11
Broken Rainbow (LGBT) – 0845 2604 460
SAVANA sexual violence and rape support service – 01782 433205
Male victims – 01782 683702 (9- 5) or helpline Tuesday 4.30pm-6.30pm
Refuges – a safe place to stay : Elizabeth House, Newcastle – 01782 713737
Potteries Women’s Refuge – 01782 822885
Refuge – 01332 200027 (specifically for Asian women)
Websites and other useful numbers :
Karma Nirvana – 0800 5999 247
‘Honour’ based abuse and forced marriage
Hideout – a website for children and young people
Respect – www.respectphoneline.org.uk
For perpetrators of abuse
National stalking helpline – 0808 802 0300
Staying safe
Staying Put
If you can’t or don’t want to leave your home and are at continued risk of abuse, the helplines can tell you about any local support groups or services. They can also advise on safety planning, eg. You could leave an emergency bag and money with a friend in case you need to flee your home suddenly.
Make your home safer
To improve your safety at home, you could:
•Change the locks, locks on the windows, install an outside light to come on when someone approaches.
•Contact your local council for advice as they might be able to help you.
Get the home in your name
In some situations the courts will transfer the home into your name, even if your partner is currently the sole owner or tenant. This is more likely to be agreed if you have children. A family law solicitor can advise you on this.
Call the Civil Legal Advice helpline on 0345 3454345 to find out if you qualify for legal aid.
Ask for a transfer or exchange
If you are a council or housing association tenant you can apply for a transfer or mutual exchange. Ask your landlord how to register for any schemes they offer. You should ask any one moving in to your home not to disclose where you have gone.
Find Private Rent
Private landlords usually ask for a deposit and rent in advance, as well as a reference. Shelter, local citizen advice or Homes Direct who can advise on you finding a rented home.
Further advice
You can get further advice from Shelter’s free* housing advice helpline 0800 8004444, a local shelter advice service or local Citizens Advice Office, or by visiting the shelter website
*calls are free from uk landlines and main mobile networks
Leaving Custody
If you are you about to leave or recently left custody and have not secured accommodation, you can find information below.
Further information on your housing options available on the following factsheets
Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Service
Rethink
Support for Mental Illness a selection of Factsheets available
Saltbox – Restart
Provides accommodation and support for offenders
01782 815 879
Email: restart@saltbox.org.uk
If you want more information about your housing rights and the council’s duties please visit Shelter’s website
If you wish to apply for housing in Newcastle under Lyme you need to register on Homes direct.
Before your application can be considered for acceptance on the housing waiting list, we will require further details of your conviction history. We only require convictions considered unspent under The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
You can request this information from Disclosure Scotland, a public body who provides this information and ensures we do not see information we are not entitled to see.
The disclosure we require is the ‘Basic Disclosure’ which contains only convictions considered unspent under The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, if you have no unspent convictions, the report will state this.
Disclosure Scotland, PO Box 250,Glasgow, G51 1YU. Phone: 0870 609 6006
Once you have applied to Disclosure Scotland, you will receive the Certificate, it usually arrives within 14 days. They charge £25.00, and payment can be made on line via their website.
Once we have enough information, we will then consider whether you can be accepted onto the Housing Register or if you are a ‘disqualified person’ and should be excluded from it. We will write to you again to advise you of this decision.
Homeless Advice
If you we can not prevent you from becoming homeless we may have to take a homeless application from you.
Things to consider
•If you are at risk of losing your home, you must get help immediately. Early action can prevent you becoming homeless
•if you are a tenant, your landlord will normally have to apply to the county court for a possession order before you can be legally evicted
•you must get advice before deciding to leave or sell accommodation you have rights to occupy
•We aim to deal with all applications in a sympathetic and polite way. We will always be fair and your case will be dealt with in the strictest confidence
•in return we ask that you treat our staff in a polite and reasonable manner