Tips to help if you're renting

Tenants guide on renting. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

TOP TIPS:

  • Whatever housing pressures you have, don’t leave it to get worse. Talk to an expert adviser as soon as possible who can advise on the best next steps for you and the options available. Visit shelter.org.uk/advice or call Shelter’s free helpline on 0808 800 4444.

  • If you are living in a home that isn’t up to satisfactory standards, find out what your landlord should do to fix the bad conditions.

  • Make rent your top priority. Paying your rent should always be your number one payment. If you have other debts such as credit cards and phone bills you can take action to deal with these separately. If you are falling behind on rent get advice and help on negotiating on your arrears.

  • Respond to any letters and phone calls you get from your landlord or letting agent. It’s important to read everything that is sent to you. Keep records of letters and phone calls.

  • If you are facing eviction speak to one of Shelter’s housing advisers immediately. Make sure you turn up for court hearings. If the worst comes to the worst, make sure you attend the possession hearing so you can put your case to the judge. If you don’t have legal representation you can be assigned a duty solicitor on the day. Speak to an organisation such as Shelter as soon as you get the hearing date to give yourself the best possible chance of success.

  • If you are suffering with mental health issues get helpthrough charities including Rethink ( rethink.org / 0300 5000 927), Mind ( mind.org.uk /0300 123 3393), Sane (0845767 8000) or speak to your GP.

LOCAL CONTACTS:

  • ACORN: A community-based union of working-class people. A membership organisation fighting for a better life for individuals and the communities they come from.

  • GreaterManchester Housing Action: GMHA's mission is to strengthen the housing movement in Greater Manchester.