Housing
Worried about your housing? Help is at hand.
The financial downturn has increased the number of people at risk of eviction or repossession. Remember - the sooner you take action to deal with any arrears or other problems the more likely you are to stay in your home.
If you have any concerns about housing and would like information about the options that may be available to you, your first step is to phone the homeless prevention team at Solihull Community Housing on 0121 717 1515. You will be able to make an appointment and receive detailed advice for your particular situation.
This information and advice is available to all residents
You can also contact one of the three Citizens Advice Bureaux in The Borough.
- Want to explore your housing options?
- Difficulties paying your mortgage or rent?
- Nowhere to live / threatened with homelessness?
- Want to get on the property ladder or register for Council or Housing Association Partner Housing?
- Need help with fuel bills and advice on saving energy in the home?
Want to explore your housing options?
Solihull Community Housing can give you advice about:
- Mortgage and rent arrears
- Debt problems
- Domestic Violence
- Homelessness
- Neighbour nuisance
- Landlord issues
Solihull Community Housing can also give advice on helping you to access training and employment.
Contact Info 0121 717 1515
Difficulties paying your mortgage or rent?
Mortgage and rent payments are priority debts because if you do not pay these you could lose your home. If you are having difficulties paying your mortgage or keeping up with the rent payments contact your lender / landlord as soon as possible to ensure that you know all of the options available to you.
If you have received a summons from the court make sure you get advice straight away and keep negotiating with your lender or landlord.
Taking action to repossess a property involves a number of stages which can take a few weeks or months. You may be able to stop the process at any stage so get advice immediately and make sure you contact your lender or landlord to discuss the options available to you.
The summons from the court will let you know the date of your court hearing. It is essential that you attend this hearing so that you can explain your situation. Arrive at the court in good time. When you arrive you should find the usher who will tell you the time and location of your hearing.
All County Courts will have a specialist court desk where advisers or solicitors are on duty to help people on the day of the hearing. They may even be able to come into the court with you to speak on your behalf. Ask the usher about this and make sure you ask for advice from the court desk.
Remember – the process can be stopped at any stage so make sure you seek advice and keep in contact with your lender or landlord.
Further information on repossession action can be found at Shelters website and in the information leaflet “Are you Worried about your mortgage”
The following organisations will also be able to offer advice and assistance:
- Solihull Community Housing Money advice team
- Citizens Advice Bureau - Offices in Solihull, Shirley or Chelmsley Wood
- Solihull Council - Housing
C.A.R.A (Chemsley Advice & Resource Agency) Keepers Lodge Chemsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 7RS can be contacted on 0121 770 3773.
National Debtline or 0808 808 4000
Nowhere to live / threatened with homelessness?
If you are facing the prospect of losing your home, contact the homeless prevention team on 0121 717 1515. They will be able to provide you with advice and give you information about the accommodation options available in Solihull.
Are you worried your home might be at risk?
Solihull Community Housing (SCH), Money Advice Team provides high quality, impartial advice to customers whose homes are at risk due to multiple debts. They may also be able to assist those in need of white goods, grants for essential household items (for example a bed) or food parcels. The services they offer are available to SCH tenants or anyone in need of help. More information is available on SCH Money Advice webpage or by contacting 0121 717 1515.
Other Sources of information and advice include:
Shelter - West Midlands Housing Aid Centre
Phone: 0844 515 1800
Website: england.shelter.org.uk/
4th Floor
Gateway House
High Street
Birmingham
B4 7SY
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
Advice, guidance and emergency accommodation for female victims of domestic violence
Phone: 0121 685 8687
Website: http://www.bswaid.org/
E-mail: info@bswaid.org
Want to get on the property ladder or register for Council or Housing Association Partner Housing?
For information and advice on finding affordable housing in the Borough or buying through the homebuy scheme.
Information on Solihull Home Options, the scheme for allocating Council and partner housing association properties for rent.
Need help with fuel bills and advice on saving energy in the home?
The Council's energy efficiency pages give advice on saving energy in the home, grants and projects to assist households and provides infromation on renewable energy sources.
Our Partners, the Energy Saving Trust can provide further assistance and support on 0800 512 012