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The Housing Advice team at Warwick District Council are here to help people who are having housing problems. If you are at risk of becoming homeless the earlier that you contact us it is more likely that we can help you. We provide advice and assistance on a range of issues such as:
- Rent or Mortgage arrears
- Domestic Violence
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- Family exclusions
Whenever possible we will work with anyone who is either homeless or threatened with homelessness to try to enable them to remain in their own home.
Affordability issues in rented accommodation
Are you worried you may lose your home as you feel that you can't afford to live there? Do you have any rent arrears? You may be eligible for Housing Benefit which can help you with your housing costs: Applying for benefit.
If you need help and advice because you are worried that you cannot afford to stay in your home, your first point of contact should be a Housing Advice Officer, who will look at your income and expenditure with you, as well as talking about any other housing problems. You could also use our online benefits calculator. You could also visit or telephone your local JobCentre (even if you are working), for an assessment of entitlement to benefits: Your local JobCente contact details are:
Brandon House
Holly Walk
Leamington Spa
CV32 4JE
Tel 0845 604 3719 (Jobcentre Plus enqiries)
0800 055 6688 (New benefits claims)
0845 608 8676 (Enqiries about existing claims)
01788 43405 (Textphone)
For more information, or search for a job online visit the Jobcentre Plus website.
If you have a problem with your housing benefit claim
Are you certain your application has been received? If you did not deliver your application personally, and do not have a receipt or any correspondence from the Housing benefit department, you need to check that the application is being processed. This is very important as there are limited circumstances under which your claim can be backdated.
Telephone (01926) 412466
Fax (01926) 456059
Email benefits@warwickdc.gov.uk
You can also register on our website to check your housing benefit details online.
Did you provide all of the information that is needed to prove who you are, where you live and what income and outgoings you have? If not, your application will be delayed until you do provide the information. It is your responsibility to make a claim and follow it up. You could still lose your home even if you are entitled to housing benefit or Local Housing Allowance, if you don't give the correct supporting information.
You may apply to Warwick District Council for Discretionary Hardship Payments to top up your Housing Benefit payments.
If you are in debt
The Housing Advice team at Warwick District Council may refer you for free, independent and confidential money advice with the Citizens Advice Bureau. Being referred to a money advisor is the first step in dealing with the stress of debt. There are solutions to your problems and it is always helpful to talk to someone who is independent and knows what creditors can legally do and not just what they threaten to do. Debt can be dealt with. If you feel that you may benefit from this service, contact the Housing Advice Team. Further information on money, tax and benefits.
Receiving a Notice from your landlord
If you have been served with a notice from your landlord it is important that you get advice at an early stage. Contact the Housing Advice Department to make an appointment with a Housing Advice Officer. The Housing Advice team can provide advice on your rights as a tenant, how to maximise your income and may also be able to negotiate with your landlord to prevent court proceedings.
Affordability Issues for Homeowners
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage it is very important that you talk to your lender at the earliest opportunity. If you do not keep up with your repayments you could risk losing your home. There are a number of schemes available to assist homeowners to remain in their property and a Housing Advice Officer can advise you on the following:
If your lender has taken Court proceeding against you it is possible to get free legal advice on the day of your hearing.
Asked to leave by your family
If you are being asked to leave by your parents or family it is important that you seek advice at an early stage and do not wait until you are homeless. The Housing AdviceTeam may be able to help you to remain by negotiating with your family members. We are also able to offer access to independent mediation services who work with families to resolve disputes and mend relationships.
Relationship breakdown
If you are experiencing problems which you think may affect your housing situation it is important that you seek advice at an early stage and contact the Housing Advice Team who will be able to provide advice on your housing rights and options.
Domestic Abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you should contact the Housing Advice Team who can provide advice on your options. If you need to leave your home temporarily we can assist you to access refuge accommodation. We can discuss your options should you wish to return to your home or if this is not appropriate what other options are available to you. The Housing Advice team work closely with other agencies and would be able to refer you for support.
Contact Housing Advice
Our Homelessness strategy
Warwick District Council Homelessness Strategy (750kb, PDF)
The Homelessness Strategy is a key document in relation to management of homelessness within the district. If you have a query on the strategy please speak to the Housing Strategy Manager on (01926) 456422.
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