What Can You Expect?

When you ring our office or visit us in person we will first need to take some details from you. This will include basic details, contact details etc., as well as more detailed information about your circumstances. This will enable us to assess your situation and decide whether we are able to deal with the query there and then, or whether you will need to come back another day for an appointment.

Once we have taken your initial details, you will see one of our advisers who will look at the details of your situation and talk through the best course of action. This may be in the form of one of the following:

Casework: Sometimes we are able to deal with your query in one visit or phone call, but it may be the case that, following your initial interview, our adviser feels that more work is needed. This may be due the complexity of your case or that the adviser needs to liaise with other agencies on your behalf or simply that more time is needed.  You will have a dedicated caseworker at Shelter to act on your behalf, where necessary and keep you up to date on any developments.

Accommodation: We can offer you information on local housing providers, how to apply to them, what to reasonably expect from Council and Housing Association waiting lists as well as details on private rented accommodation in the area. We also provide advice on avoiding problems in the private sector and information on the help that is available.

Information only: We stock useful information booklets and leaflets that answer common questions and can signpost enquirers to sources of help.

Referral: We are able to refer clients to specialist advice providers within the Community Legal Services Partnerships in Nottinghamshire for most types of matters including family law, personal injury, benefits, debt, mediation, etc.

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How housing advice can prevent homelessness

Homelessness: Almost all of us could face the risk of losing accommodation. Shelter NHAS provides specialist legal advice that may prevent eviction and can empower clients during homelessness applications and appeals.

Entitlements: A housing rights check is as essential as a benefits check.
What rights do people have to housing? To housing benefit? To community care services?

Defending Possession Proceedings: We represent tenants and mortgage borrowers at County Court hearings. Homelessness prevention is possible even at bailiff stage.

Rent and Mortgage problems: When re-possession is threatened, advice is necessary as early as possible to enable people to keep to realistic payments to address the arrears.

Exclusions: Increasingly, people are unable to access Council or Housing Association tenancies or transfers because of former tenancy or current arrears – we check entitlements to help identify workable ways forward.

Private tenancies: Disputes often arise, we advise on rights, duties and obligations of landlords and tenants.

Disrepair: Various practical legal remedies may be available if negotiation is unsuccessful.

Harassment/Violence: We outline the powers available and help determine a structured course of action with people who are experiencing domestic violence, racial harassment, and other unable to live in safety and without fear in their homes.

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How We Help

We work as a team: We employ a highly skilled and dedicated staff team who work from offices in Nottingham and Mansfield, and who run outreach sessions within the County.

We give assistance: Our staff help the homeless and the badly housed to solve their problems for themselves and get back on their feet, for example by drafting a letter to their landlord or negotiating a manageable plan to pay off their debts.

We are advocates: When appropriate, we act on behalf of our clients, perhaps contacting their landlord or local authority to present their case or to appeal against an unjust decision. 
If necessary, we will represent our clients in Court.

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