Step-by-step help if you are facing court or representing yourself

Support with starting a tenancy, and getting a guarantor.

What rights you have in rented accommodation can depend on what type of tenancy you have. For example, if you are renting from the council or a housing association, or if you are renting from a private landlord.

It can be difficult getting started with a tenancy if you cannot find someone to guarantee your rent, or if it is more difficult for you to prove that you have the right to enter or remain in the UK.

We will help you understand what your options are and work out how to solve any problems you encounter.

This guide is for you if you want to challenge the decision made by the council about your homelessness application. This guide will take you through the process step by step so that you can work out if you have the right to challenge what the council says about your homelessness problem, and how to do it. You can also find out where to go next for more help.    

The information in this guide to England only. The law may be different if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you've been sent a section 21 notice by your private landlord or their letting agent or your housing association, you are likely to feel very worried. Try not to panic. 

This guide will help you work out what options you have when you have received a section 21 notice and decide what to do next. 

It also explains the eviction process, so that if you want to challenge your landlord's claim for a possession order, you know what to do when.    

The information in this guide applies to England only.

This guide is for you if you have nowhere to live right now. There are lots of different situations that can lead to people being homeless. It might be because you have been evicted by your private landlord or forced to leave your home by your ex or a family member. You might be sleeping rough, sofa surfing, or staying with someone temporarily. This guide tells you everything you need to know about what the council must do to help you. It sets out what steps to take next and where to find more help.    

The information in this guide to England only. The law may be different if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Universal Credit is the main benefit for working age people - whether you are in low-paid work, are looking for work, or unable to work because of a sickness or disability. 

There are lots of things that can go wrong with your Universal Credit payments - we have help for you if you have not been given the right decision about your fitness for work, if you have been given an unfair sanction, or if you have an overpayment you cannot afford to repay.

All unfair decisions should be challenged. See below for our help and advice.

This information applies in England, Wales, and Scotland. It will also be helpful for claimants in Northern Ireland where the rules are the same but the relevant government departments and forms are different.