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Housing Options Information

A model house and magnifying glass with a piggy bank in the background

This information is for anyone who is concerned about their housing - maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your present home, perhaps you may be asked to leave your home in the near future, or you may simply want to move.

Further to your enquiry you may wish to consider alternative housing solutions to either remain in your current accommodation or look to secure alternative accommodation.

Local Housing Allowance

Find out if you qualify for Local Housing Allowance (Housing Benefit/Universal Credit Housing Related costs).

The rates are changed every year and published on the Preston City Council - Local Housing Allowance page.

The amount of Local Housing Allowance you may receive is based on the number of bedrooms you and your family need and the area you live in. Use the guide below to work out how many bedrooms you may have.

You are entitled to one bedroom for:

  • every adult couple (married or unmarried)
  • any other adult aged 16 or over
  • any two children of the same sex aged under 16
  • any two children aged under 10
  • any other child

Local Housing Allowance is usually paid directly to you, unless there are special reasons why it should be paid to your landlord directly.

Number of BedroomsWeekly Amount
Shared room£66.50
One bedroom£90.90
Two bedrooms£115.07
Three bedrooms£132.33
Four bedrooms£182.96

 

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

You can make an application for a discretionary housing payment if you need extra help with:

  • Rent shortfall - when housing benefit does not meet the full rent
  • Rent arrears
  • Lump sum costs associated with a housing need, for example removal costs
  • Rent in advance
  • Bonds and deposits

To be eligible to claim you must be entitled to some housing benefit paid by Preston City Council or housing costs paid by Universal Credit. Each case is assessed on its individual merits.

If you think that you need this extra help, details can be found at Preston City Council - Discretionary housing payment.

Remaining in your property

Landlords can evict an assured short hold tenant after giving notice (usually referred to as a Section 21 notice) and getting a court order. For more information see GOV.UK - Evicting Tenants.

Most privately rented tenants are assured shorthold tenants. Do not leave your accommodation unless you have found alternative accommodation or are required by law to leave.

Remember, only a bailiff can evict you and they need an order from the court.

For more detailed information regarding this process please visit Shelter.org - Eviction of Assured Shorthold Tenants.

(Please be aware that you may be liable for court costs, in the event that the landlord takes court action following the expiry of your notice.)

If you have exhausted all options to remain in your current accommodation, you may wish to consider the following options to find alternative accommodation.

Private rented accommodation

Generally, to secure private sector accommodation you could look through local newspapers, as these carry details of properties that are available for letting. Free copies of local newspapers are available for you to read at local libraries and properties are advertised on the internet.

In the list below there are details of several letting agents who may be willing to offer you accommodation in the area and you may wish to contact these agencies as soon as possible.

Homes for rent are sometimes advertised in shop windows or on notice boards, and you could consider putting an 'Accommodation Wanted' card up on one of these yourself.

From February 1st 2016 landlords must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent residential property in England. Before the start of a new tenancy, they must make checks for all occupiers aged 18 and over, they must check all new tenants.

It is against the law to only check people you think aren't British citizens. For full information see GOV.UK - Checking your tenant's right to rent

Useful Accommodation Websites

These allow you to enter the area, type of property, and amount of rent you can afford - then search for a home using these criteria. If you do not have access to the internet at home, you may wish to go to your local library and use the internet facilities available there.

You could also ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they have a spare room or accommodation available. This may provide an income for them as in many but not all circumstances you can claim housing costs to cover rent and a room can be let without it affecting tax or benefits for the household depending on the income received from the rent.

Social Housing

You may wish to create an application for Social Housing through the Council's Choice Based Lettings system. Visit Select Move or telephone 0800 655 6785.

Regrettably, due to the shortage of affordable housing in the area and the large number of people registered and bidding for advertised vacancies, we are unable to accurately predict when or whether you are likely to bid successfully for a home. Once registered you should ensure you bid for any advertised vacancy for which you are eligible that would meet your households housing need.

The wider areas and property types you are prepared to consider the higher your chances of successfully bidding and being offered a property.

It is important therefore that you do not rely on the Choice Based Lettings Scheme to secure alternative accommodation.

Moving home with the same or different landlord if you are already a social tenant

Contact your area Housing Officer to discuss your transfer options with them. Some of the local housing associations will give you priority to transfer if your current property is too large for your needs.

Applying for Independent Living Schemes

Another option to consider is an Independent Living Scheme, for people aged 55 and older. One of the advantages of an Independent Living Scheme is a safe, secure environment with varying levels of support.

There are a wide variety schemes owned by the housing associations across the district. To apply to become a sheltered housing tenant you will need to apply via the Council's Choice Based Lettings system.

Visit Select Move or call 0800 665 6785.

Experiencing domestic abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, contact Lancashire Victim Support on 0300 323 0085 or visit your local police station.

There are a number of things that can be done to help, including support to access a place of safety, or emotional and tenancy support. Alternatively, you may benefit from a sanctuary scheme - additional security measures to help you remain in your home and feel safer.

There are many people and organisations you can turn to if you are suffering from domestic violence.

Your GP, for example, can direct you to groups that work with victims of abuse. They can point you to local support groups and charities that help victims, and their children escape the cycle of violence.

You can also call the helpline below. They can make sure you find safe emergency refuge accommodation and put you in touch with people who can ensure that you're protected.

You don't have to tell them your name.

Support from other agencies

Should you require further information please contact the Housing Options Team on 01772 906412.