Evictions and landlord responsibilities

Understanding the council's role

We understand that situations involving tenants can sometimes be difficult and frustrating, particularly where rent arrears, property concerns or possession proceedings are involved. This information sheet explains the role of the council's housing options and homelessness service, what we can do, and what we cannot do.

Our role

The council's role is to help prevent homelessness and support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We provide advice, support and assistance to households in accordance with housing and homelessness legislation.

Our role is not to act on behalf of landlords who are seeking possession of a property, nor can we become involved in private legal disputes between landlords and tenants.

Confidentiality and information sharing

We are unable to share information about tenants with their landlords, regardless of the circumstances. This includes whether someone has:

  • approached the council for housing or homelessness assistance
  • applied to the housing register
  • received support from the council or another organisation
  • been assessed as eligible for assistance
  • been offered accommodation
  • accepted or declined any housing option

This information is personal data and is protected by data protection legislation. We can only discuss a person's circumstances with them directly unless they have given explicit permission for information to be shared with someone else.

For this reason, we cannot confirm, comment on or disclose information relating to an individual's housing application, housing register status, homelessness case, support arrangements, communications with the council, or any housing offers that may or may not have been made.

How we support people

When someone approaches us for help, we assess their individual circumstances and provide support based on the information available to us and the legal duties that apply. This may include:

  • advice to help prevent homelessness
  • help to secure alternative accommodation
  • mediation or discussions where appropriate and with the agreement of those involved
  • temporary accommodation for eligible homeless households in priority need

The support available will vary depending on each person's circumstances, eligibility and housing needs.

Social housing and waiting times

A common misconception is that approaching the council as homeless will result in an immediate offer of a council or housing association property.

In reality, demand for social housing significantly exceeds supply. Many households wait a considerable length of time before being offered a social home, even where they qualify to join the housing register or are owed a homelessness duty - find out more about waiting times.

As a result, it is rarely possible for us to provide an immediate move into permanent social housing. We will work with tenants to try to keep them in their current home, look at alternatives (such as staying with family, friends or looking for alternative private rented options), and only where there are no other options, and they are in priority need, we will offer interim or temporary accommodation.

Possession proceedings and legal action

Landlords are entitled to seek possession of their property where appropriate. However, the council cannot act for either party in possession proceedings or private legal disputes.

Where a landlord is considering possession action, we would encourage them familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Renters Rights Act, and to seek independent legal advice to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities before taking action.

What you can expect from us

We will continue to work with anyone who approaches us for housing or homelessness assistance and will provide support in accordance with our legal duties.

However, we cannot:

  • share personal information about tenants
  • confirm whether someone has approached us for assistance
  • discuss a person's housing application or homelessness case
  • act on behalf of landlords in legal proceedings
  • influence the outcome of private disputes between landlords and tenants

We appreciate that these situations can be challenging for everyone involved. Our role is to balance our legal duties, protect personal information and provide appropriate support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Useful information for landlords