Legal Assistance for Private Tenants
Private Landlord and Tenancy Issues
The vast majority of landlords are responsible and fair; however in the unlikely event of you experiencing trouble with your landlord, Winchester City Council may be able to help.
The Council's Powers Under the Protection from Eviction Act, 1977
Harassment and illegal eviction as defined in the Protection from Eviction Act, 1977, are criminal offences.
The Council has a power to prosecute persons who commit offences. The Council's officers will investigate complaints and mediate between the parties wherever possible. The Council will consider bringing a prosecution where the evidence is sufficient to indicate the likelihood of a successful prosecution and where it is in the public interest.
The Council's Powers under the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1985, as amended
The Council has powers to prosecute landlords who fail to fulfil their obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1985, as amended.
Such matters include the failure of landlords to provide rent books and the failure of freeholders to give long leasehold tenants information concerning service charges and insurance.
Where a complaint is received the Council's Housing Officers will endeavour to secure that the required information is provided. However in the case of persistent failure to provide the information a prosecution will be considered.
The Council's Powers under S. 33 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976
The Council has a power under S. 33 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976, to make arrangements to secure the restoration or continuance of gas, water or electricity supplies for the benefit of residents (usually tenants) where the supplies have been, or are likely to be, cut off because of failure by the owner of the property to pay for the services.
The Council will consider making such arrangements only as a last resort for emergency cases and then only when young children or elderly persons are affected. When invoking its powers the Council will only make arrangements with the suppliers which do not involve financial liability falling upon the Council. In every case the Council will co-operate closely with the suppliers and wherever possible enlist the suppliers' support and assistance.
Other Legal Assistance
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can provide advice and assistance in many areas.
Local offices are:
The Winchester Centre,
68 St George's Street,
Winchester
01962 848 000
The Library,
Bank Street,
Bishops Waltham
01489 896 376
101 Leigh Road,
Eastleigh
023 8061 3949
County Library Building,
Osborn Road,
Fareham
01329 233 412
Community Legal Service Direct
They can help with free information and legal advice on 0845 345 4 345, have a range of publications on key legal areas and have a directory of approved solicitors, other advice agencies and information providers.
Website: http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/index.jsp
AdviceNow
Advicenow is an independent, not-for-profit website providing accurate, up-to-date information on rights and legal issues.
Website: http://www.advicenow.org.uk/
AdviceUK
AdviceUK is the UK's largest support network for free, independent advice centres. adviceUK was formed in 1979 as the Federation of Independent Advice Centres (FIAC)
Website: http://www.adviceuk.org.uk/default.asp
Main Office Tel: 020 7407 4070
Email: general@adviceuk.org.uk
