Residents renting properties in Allerdale are being reminded of their rights after a landlord tried to illegally evict a family from their home.

Allerdale Borough Council’s Housing Services team was asked for advice by a pregnant Workington woman after she, her husband and their young child were verbally told to leave the premises almost immediately, without any prior notice.

Katherine Leadbitter, the Council’s homelessness officer, explained to the distressed woman that by law, as the owner of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, she is legally entitled to two full calendar months notice in writing, which can only be issued after the tenant has been residing in the property for a minimum of four months.

Katherine acted swiftly – contacting the landlord to inform him that he was acting illegally and that Allerdale Borough Council has the power to prosecute landlords who try to evict their tenants in this manner.
The landlord then agreed to issue the correct notice and the tenants are currently able to remain in their accommodation giving them more time to find a new place to live.

Katherine later received a card from the relieved woman, which read: “We would like to say a huge thank you for your help and guidance in dealing with our current housing problem. Without you, myself and my family would be homeless and worried sick of where we turn to next. I truly feel you went out of your way in helping us. Keep up the great work.”

Allerdale Borough Council receives numerous homeless applications from people who are unaware of their tenancy rights after they have received an invalid notice.
Anyone who has been issued a notice to vacate private rented accommodation should at least contact the Housing Services team on 01900 702570 to verify its validity.

The Council can also take action to make sure private landlords properly maintain their properties in line with housing legislation, such as ensuring that the property does not pose a risk to the health and safety of the tenants. Contact the Housing Services team for more information.

*Pictured above is Katherine Leadbitter, Allerdale Borough Council’s homelessness officer, with the “Thank you” card she received from a tenant she helped-out.

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