We have pulled together a range of useful advice and links to make it easier for you to find the information you need.
If you can’t find the advice you need and would like to discuss any housing issues with a housing officer, you are welcome to telephone for advice on 01480 388218 or email us at housingadvice@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
Finding a home in the district
There are a number of housing options available within the district. See the Finding a Home pages for more information.
Problems with paying your rent
If you don’t pay your rent you may be evicted. To avoid this, it is important to act quickly.
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has your income changed so that you can’t afford to pay your rent? If so, check whether you are eligible to claim Housing Benefit to help you pay the rent
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contact your landlord and explain your situation - ask for some extra time to make the payment
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let your landlord know how you plan to deal with the problem for future payments so it won’t happen again
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if you have debt problems that mean you are struggling to pay your rent, then get advice on how best to deal with your debts.
Agencies offering free money and debt advice
Local:
The Bridge Money Advice Centre
Rural Cambs Citizen Advice Bureau (covers East Cambridgeshire, Fenland and Huntingdonshire)
National:
Housing standards
All housing should meet certain standards. The Housing Standards page has further information about the standards and what to do if the property you are renting does not meet them.
Eviction
If you are facing eviction then you need to ask for advice as early as possible to see if anything can be done to stop your eviction. You should ring us on 01480 388218 to speak to an adviser or email us at housingadvice@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
Alternatively you could speak to an advisor at the local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Landlords have to follow certain legal procedures before they can evict you.
If your landlord has changed the locks or physically removed you and/or your possessions, depending upon your type of tenancy, this could be an illegal eviction.
Further advice:
GOV.UK: Private Renting for Tenants: Evictions
GOV.UK: Council and Housing Association Evictions
Homeless or at risk of homelessness?
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness you should ask for advice as soon as possible to either prevent your homelessness, or help you find another home. We can provide advice and may be able to help you, depending on your situation.
More information about homelessness.
Basic rules for landlords and agents
A landlord or agent must follow a number of basic rules when letting out a property. Although some of these may vary slightly depending on the type of tenancy you have, there are a number of basic rules that apply in all cases:
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to secure your deposit in an approved deposit protection
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not to disturb or harass their tenant
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to carry out repairs that they are responsible for
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to meet various safety standards.