Housing advice and support services

Whether you're facing the daunting prospect of homelessness, struggling with a difficult landlord, or simply seeking advice on your housing options, you're not alone. Plymouth offers a wealth of housing advice and support services designed to guide you through even the most challenging housing situations.

Understanding your housing rights in Plymouth

Before diving into the specific services available, it's crucial to understand your basic housing rights. Knowledge is power, and being aware of your rights can be the first step in resolving many housing issues.

As a resident of Plymouth, you have the right to:

• Live in a property that's safe and in good repair
• Be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent
• Have your deposit protected in a government-approved scheme
• Challenge excessively high charges
• Know who your landlord is
• Live in a property free from harassment and illegal discrimination

Remember, these rights apply whether you're a tenant in private rented accommodation, social housing, or even if you're currently homeless.

Plymouth City Council Housing Services

Services offered:

• Personalised advice on housing options
• Support in finding private rented accommodation
• Information on social housing and how to apply
• Guidance on shared ownership and other affordable housing schemes

This team is particularly helpful if you're:

• Looking to move from your current accommodation
• New to Plymouth and unsure about your housing options
• Struggling to find affordable housing

To contact the Housing Services Team, please call 01752 668000 or email housing.options@plymouth.gov.uk.

The Homelessness Prevention Team

Services offered:

• Mediation with landlords or family members
• Advice on your rights if you're facing eviction
• Support in managing rent arrears
• Assistance in finding alternative accommodation

When to contact them:

• If you've received an eviction notice
• If you're struggling to pay your rent or mortgage
• If you're asked to leave by family or friends
• If you're fleeing domestic abuse

To contact the Homelessness Prevention Team, please call 01752 668000 or email housingneeds@plymouth.gov.uk.

Private Rented Sector Team

Services offered to tenants:

• Advice on tenancy agreements
• Support with disputes over repairs or deposits
• Information on your rights and responsibilities

Services offered to landlords:

• Guidance on legal requirements
• Support in finding suitable tenants
• Information on grants for improvements

If you're struggling to afford private rented accommodation, social housing could be your ticket to a more stable and affordable home. In Plymouth, social housing is allocated through Devon Home Choice.

Shelter Plymouth

Sometimes, you might feel you need advice from someone outside the council. That's where Shelter Plymouth comes in. As an independent charity, they provide free, expert housing advice.

Services offered:

• Face-to-face advice sessions
• Telephone advice line
• Online resources and guides
• Advocacy in court for housing-related cases

Shelter can be particularly helpful if:

• You're in dispute with the council over a housing decision
• You need in-depth advice on complex housing issues
• You're facing court action related to your housing

To contact Shelter Plymouth, please call 0808 800 4444 or visit https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/local_services/devon.

Citizens Advice Plymouth

Housing issues often don't exist in isolation. If you're struggling with housing, you might also be facing issues with debt, benefits, or employment. Citizens Advice Plymouth can help with all of these.

Services offered:

• Advice on housing rights and responsibilities
• Support with housing benefit claims
• Guidance on dealing with rent arrears
• Information on energy efficiency and reducing utility bills

To contact Citizens Advice Plymouth, please call 03444 111 444.

Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH)

If you're homeless or vulnerably housed, Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH) could be your lifeline. This local charity provides a range of services aimed at helping people find and maintain suitable accommodation.

Services offered:

• Rough sleeper outreach
• Housing advice and support
• Life skills training
• Support for people with complex needs

To contact Plymouth Access to Housing, please call 01752 255889 or email info@pathdevon.org.

Navigating housing issues can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone. Plymouth offers a wealth of services designed to support you through even the most challenging housing situations.

View an A to Z Directory of housing advice and support service-related groups and organisations

Five things to remember

1. Act early; don't wait for a crisis to seek advice
2. Be honest about your situation; the more information you provide, the better the support you can receive
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help; these services are there for you
4. If you're not satisfied with the help you receive, seek a second opinion
5. Remember your rights; knowledge is power in housing matters.

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