Housing - In rent arrears

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The pre-action protocol sets out procedures council and housing association landlords have to follow to give their tenants the chance to sort out any arrears before court action starts.

When your Council must follow the pre-action protocol

All council and housing association landlords must follow the pre-action protocol if they want to evict a secure council tenant, or an assured, assured shorthold or secure housing association tenant only because of rent arrears.

A social housing landlord is not required to follow the pre-action protocol if you are a:

  • leaseholder (for example you bought your home through a shared ownership scheme or the Right to Buy)
  • council tenant but you are living in temporary accommodation

Shelter

The information is this guide is based on the Shelter website and is correct as of December 2014. It is for England and Wales only. Click here to see the full guide.

Shelter gives practical housing advice and support online, in person and by phone. Our expert advisers give free, confidential advice 365 days a year, helping with everything from mortgage arrears to finding a place to sleep. If you need help email Shelter at: info@shelter.org.uk or call 0300 330 1234. Click here to visit the Shelter website or to make a donation.

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