Client rehoused and £16,000 arrears cleared

Sean Hughes

Osbornes Law were instructed to assist a client to suspend a warrant for possession. The client had fallen into arrears of over £16,000 following the death of her husband.

We were able to persuade the landlord not to pursue an application for a warrant whilst we investigated her financial situation. A discretionary housing payment from the local authority was secured reducing her arrears by £7,000. We also assisted the client appeal a universal credit decision resulting in a £20,000 back payment. This allowed the client to clear her arrears in full.

Following the arrears being cleared, we were able to negotiate a settlement with her landlord and the suspended possession order was set aside.

Despite our client’s improved financial position, the property remained unaffordable due to the bedroom tax and high rent. We assisted our client with a homeless application, arguing she was effectively homeless at home due to the affordability of the property.

She was awarded the incorrect priority status on the housing register which we assisted her in challenging. Following a review, the local authority accepted all submissions made by Osbornes Law and awarded the client the highest priority banding under its allocations scheme. The local authority also accepted that their delays in handling the case fell far short of their standards.

As of summer 2023, the client obtained secure and affordable social housing, with a small garden.