advice service

Download our advice leaflet for more information on our advice service

Housing Rights Service aims to help people find the best possible solution to their housing problems by providing free, confidential advice and representation on a wide range of housing issues.

Advice

We offer advice on housing issues related to:

  • homelessness,
  • finding rented accomodation
  • paying for accommodation
  • mortgage or rent arrears
  • repossession and eviction
  • repairs or improvements

taking your case on

Housing Rights Service is unable to take on every case. We use a case selection policy to determine which cases we can take on. Copies of this policy are available on request.

If an adviser agrees to take on your case you will receive assistance with any written correspondence. For example:

  • undertaking a revision
  • complaints or appeals
  • where relevant lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman

We do not offer mortgage advice or deal with planning or property disputes. In such cases your adviser will refer you to a relevant organisation or to a solicitor.

Representation

Housing Rights Service offers representation at the following hearings:

  • Rent Assessment Committees,
  • Social Security Tribunals, regarding housing benefit,
  • Small Claims Court, regarding deposits and rent arrears disputes,
  • High Court Chancery Division, representing owner occupiers facing repossession,
  • County Court, representing Housing Executive, Housing Association tenants facing possession action.

Representation is free and all matters are dealt with in confidence. Representation may be offered to continuing clients but unfortunately cannot be guaranteed due to staffing commitments.

Self Help Kits

Self Help Kits, regarding the above core area of advice, have been devised by Housing Rights Service to assist clients undertaking:

  • first stage homeless appeals,
  • first stage complaints.

The Self Help Kits also provide information on housing benefit, the Housing Selection Scheme or debt issues.A Self Help Kit can be obtained by contacting us on 028 9024 5640.

quality of service

We aim to provide a high quality of service to all our users.  We welcome your views on our service.  If you are unhappy with our advice service in any way you can use our complaints scheme.