Mother and her children saved from imminent eviction

Canterbury Housing Advice Centre (CHAC) saved a mother and her three dependent children from imminent eviction thanks – in large part - to a positive working relationship with a local housing association.

Livia was an assured tenant in receipt of Housing Benefit. One of Livia’s children was disabled so she was also in receipt of Carer’s Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Within seven months of moving into her new home, Livia had accrued more than £4,000 in rent arrears.

The housing association made several visits to see Livia but had chosen not to act once they understood she was having problems claiming her benefits. However, when it subsequently became apparent that Livia had spent her Housing Benefit rather than use it to pay her rent, the housing association applied to the local court for a possession order. The housing association also requested that Livia’s Housing Benefit be paid directly to them by Canterbury City Council, in line with Housing Benefit Regulations for tenants with rent arrears.

How CHAC helped

Livia had just nine days before she was due in court when she called CHAC. She came to see us the next day and we were able to secure the necessary signed consent to be able to negotiate directly with her landlord.

Despite the extent of Livia’s rent arrears, the positive relationship we had previously established with Livia’s housing association enabled us to reach an agreement that spared Livia and her children from losing their home.

The outcome

When we attended court, the Judge ordered Livia’s eviction be suspended. As per the agreement reached with the housing association, this was on condition that, in addition to paying off her rent in full once she received her Income Support payment, Livia would pay £20 off her rent arrears every fortnight.

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