Housing advice services

What advice can we offer?

Free specialist advice and assistance on matters relating to housing for private tenants threatened with eviction, and for home owners who may be threatened with possession action.

  • Stop people becoming homeless.
  • Negotiate with landlords to extend tenancies and pay off arrears.
  • Give legal advice on tenancy rights.
  • Advice on recovery of damage deposits.
  • Use various financial schemes to provide housing solutions.
  • Explain and refer to various schemes that we work with to provide housing solutions.
  • Work closely with support agencies and make referrals.
  • Explain possession proceedings and remedies.
  • Illegal eviction.
  • Refer to private sector housing if there are issues of disrepair.

Advice and assistance for people who are looking for somewhere to live

  • Housing options advice.
  • Tenancy payment signing scheme.
  • Homeless prevention fund.
  • Specialist support – for victims of domestic violence or hate crime.
  • Supported lodging scheme.
  • In house dispute resolution service - mediation.
  • Private sector leasing scheme.
  • Referrals to hostels.

Information to landlords

  • We will give advice to landlords on tenancy issues.
  • We will liaise with private sector housing in relation to Landlord accreditation scheme.
  • We will carry out joint visits with private sector housing to verify abandonment of a property.

  • Information on grants and loans to bring empty properties back into use.

What are our service levels?

If you come to see us we will try to make sure that:

  • Once you are booked in to the drop-in service we will see you within 20 minutes.
  • We can arrange a home visit, within 10 working days, if you are unable to get to our office because of mobility difficulties.
  • If you would like us to refer you to another local authority or accommodation provider we will contact them on your behalf.

You will receive up to date and accurate advice

  • All our advisers are fully trained in housing law.
  • We have a comprehensive legal library.
  • We have access to expert legal advice.
  • Out letters will be written in an easy to understand and non-legal language.

What you can do to help

  • Make sure you bring all your documents with you – proof of identity, tenancy agreements etc.

If you want advice you can

  • Phone us on 0344 9803333. Lines are open 9am–5pm each week day.
  • Call in to our drop-in advice service at City Hall every weekday between 8:45am and 2:30pm.
  • Email us: housingadvisers@norwich.gov.uk

If you want to make a complaint

  • Deal with it informally by contacting the housing advice team leader or the housing options manager.
  • Ask for an official complaints form - please phone 0344 9803333 or email housingadvisers@norwich.gov.uk