The Council has a duty to collect all rent due for its dwellings as the income is vital to fund other housing services. The Council will always take all reasonable steps to try to resolve tenancy or rent arrears problems. However, if all else fails, the Council will apply to the Courts to repossess a property.
The most common ground for eviction is non-payment of rent, although it is possible for tenants breaching any other aspect of their tenancy agreement to be evicted.
Once a Possession Order is obtained from the Courts any application to vary the terms of the order or to obtain a stay of execution must be made to the Court itself rather than the Council.
If tenants are facing a Possession Order, it is advisable to seek independent legal advice. Tenants can contact a solicitor directly or the local Citizens Advice can offer free advice:
The West Wing
Town Hall Bourne Avenue
Bournemouth, BH2 6DX
Tel (01202) 290967
There is no guarantee that the Courts will not evict households with children.
The Council or other Registered Social Landlords generally have no obligation to re-house those who are evicted for non-payment of rent.
What happens if I am evicted?
If you are evicted you will have to find alternative accommodation for yourself and anyone else who is living with you.
The court will tell you the date and time that the bailiff will arrive. A representative from Housing will also be there. The locks of the house will be changed and any of your belongings that are still there will be cleared.
Can I stop the eviction?
The earlier you take action or get advice the better. It is more difficult to make arrangements at a late stage. You may apply for the Warrant of Possession to be suspended. The court will then reconsider your case but may not agree to alter the decision. Please remember, if you are having difficulties paying your rent:
-
Speak to a member of our staff, using the contact details below.
-
Get advice, for example, from a Citizens Advice Bureau; and
-
Make regular payments, even if they are small
How to contact us
Contact Details for our Local Housing Offices are as follows:
West Office (Kinson area)
Kinson Neighbourhood Office
1599/1601 Wimborne Road
Bournemouth BH11 9AB
Tel: 01202 453907
East Office (Pokesdown, Southbourne, Boscombe, Strouden & Winton)
Housing East Office
Strouden Library
Castlepoint
Castle Lane West
Bournemouth BH8 9UP
Tel: 01202 451915
Our housing visitors can come and see you in your own home. If you want to discuss anything confidentially we can provide an interview room at each of our offices above. Due to safety reasons we cannot currently offer a safe play area for children but can provide colouring pages on request.
We hope this information has been useful. If you require it in another language or format such as large print or audio please contact us as follows:
Housing Landlord Services
Unit 4 Dalling Road
Poole
BH12 1DJ
Tel 01202 458331
Fax 01202 458332
Minicom 01202 454728
| 
