Step 2 - know your rights
Make sure you know what your rights are. If you’ve got all the information, you’ll be in the best position to get a solution you're happy with. There are a lot of legal myths out there, so don’t just listen to what the bloke in the pub says. It’s easy to find out what’s right. The internet has masses of information on your rights, and Advicenow is a good place to start your search. You could also check out other internet advice sites, or visit your local library, advice centre, or Citizen’s Advice Bureau to find out where you stand (see 'useful contacts' for more information).
Even if the law doesn't protect you, don't give up. You may not have any rights but, if you negotiate confidently, you may still get what you want.
"Last year I was living in a bedsit. It wasn't brilliant but at least it was my own place, and it was near college. One day, out of the blue, my landlord knocked on the door and told me I had to move out at the weekend because he needed the bedsit for a family friend. It was really bad timing, I didn't have anywhere I could go, and I had exams coming up. I told my friends what had happened and everyone thought it was unfair, but what can you do? So I moved out and slept on a mate's floor. When I told my tutor what had happened, she said my landlord wasn't allowed to just evict me like that. Wish I'd known at the time!"
Suzgo, Croydon
