Posted on 9th Sep
Newark and Sherwood District Council is urging landlords and tenants to contact them if they are having problems with rent payments.
Councils across Nottinghamshire are working together to promote the Call B4 you Serve service, as concerns grow that there will be a spike in evictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Call B4 you Serve is an independent service funded across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire by Central Government and provides an impartial service to both landlords and tenants to prevent evictions where ever possible.
The service can offer advice on financial support including help with payments towards rent arrears if someone is in danger of becoming homeless.
The service also provides direct support and advice on benefit applications around universal credit and other housing and rent support. The team can help set up applications and make sure applicants are getting the full support needed.
So far, the scheme has supported over 300 residents and 250 landlords across the county. The cost of someone presenting themselves to the council as homeless is in excess of £2,500 therefore any prevention measures can reduce this cost significantly.
One of the council’s priorities is to prevent homelessness in the district as well as providing support for the most vulnerable people in the area.
Landlords or letting agents who need help can email CB4YS@derby.gov.uk or call 01332 641 408.
Tenants facing difficulty can call Newark and Sherwood District Council on 01636 650000 for a referral to the service.
Coun Tim Wendels, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Homes and Communities Committee, said: “We understand that the coronavirus outbreak has created significant financial problems for many people which has resulted in rent arrears and the threat of eviction from their homes.
“Help is available and we are urging landlords to call us before they serve eviction notices. We can help with a number of solutions before they make someone homeless. We have assisted a number of landlords already, which has prevented evictions and ultimately another homelessness application. It is one of our main priorities to support the most vulnerable residents in Newark and Sherwood and prevent rough sleeping and homelessness.”
