If you are in rent arrears, there is a government-backed grant that could help clear your debt and prevent eviction. It is called a Discretionary Housing Payment , often referred to as a DHP . Many people do not realise this support exists — and as a result, they struggle unnecessarily. What Is a Discretionary Housing Payment? A Discretionary Housing Payment is extra financial support provided by your local council. You may be eligible if you receive: Housing Benefit, or The housing element...

If you are planning to evict a tenant using Section 21 , there is one document that can stop you in your tracks. If you do not have it in place, your eviction will fail , no matter how strong your case feels. That document is the Gas Safety Certificate . You Cannot Serve Section 21 Without Gas Safety Certificates Where a property has gas, the law is strict. Before you serve a Section 21 notice , you must have: A valid gas safety certificate that was in force before the tenant first moved in...

If you are buying a property with an existing tenant , there are critical legal checks you must carry out before you complete the purchase. If you miss these, you may later find it extremely difficult or even impossible to evict the tenant and regain possession . This is not theory. This is settled law. 1. You Must Be Given the Existing Tenancy Agreement When you buy a property with a tenant in place, you must receive a copy of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) . The AST is the legal...