Housing Advice
If you need housing advice, are at risk of homelessness or are homeless and have nowhere to stay there are a number of places you can go for help.
Citizens Advice County Durham
Citizens Advice County Durham is a local charity which provides advice on housing, benefits, debt support and other advice to thousands of people every year. Its services are free, confidential, and impartial.
Tel: 0808 278 7821
Housing Solutions Team
Durham County Councils Housing Solutions team will provide advice on a range of housing issues, from landlord disputes to homelessness. They will look at all options, from supported accommodation to privately rented housing.
Housing Solutions offer free help if you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or simply want advice about your housing options.
You may find yourself at risk of being homeless for many reasons.
Do not wait until you become homeless tell us you are at risk of becoming homeless.
If you need somewhere to sleep tonight contact the team on 08081 968 406 or email housingsolutions@durham.gov.uk.
Shelter
Helping you keep your home
If you’re in danger of losing your home, they will work with you to prevent this happening. They can help if:
- you’re fleeing domestic abuse
- facing possession proceedings
- being harassed or evicted by your landlord
- being asked to leave by friends or relatives.
- struggling to pay your rent or mortgage
- you need help to live in your home
Finding a new home
If it’s not possible to prevent you becoming homeless, they will try to help you find a new home, whether that’s renting from a private landlord or housing associations.
The first time they speak to you they will ask questions to assess your situation to confirm what duties they owe under the homelessness legislation and if they have a legal duty to find you a secure home.
Only certain people can be given a priority for rehousing under the current homelessness rules; however, the aim is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and if they can’t accept your homeless application, they will still provide you with advice and information to help you find or keep your home.
Shelter is a national charity and can help you understand your rights and get the support you need.
They offer advice and support services offering personalised help with housing issues and homelessness. They have an emergency helpline, online housing advice and webchat
See Shelter for more information, see link below