Residents who are struggling to pay their rent are being urged to get in touch with Cornwall Council for support and advice.

The government’s ban on evicting people who rent their homes ended on 20 September, with landlords still required to give six months’ notice to any tenants they want to evict.

Cornwall’s Social and Supported Housing landlords which include Coastline Housing, Cornwall Housing Ltd, LiveWest and Ocean Housing, have said that no-one will be evicted from their homes as a result of financial hardship caused by coronavirus, if they are working with their landlord to get their payments back on track.

One in five households rent their home from a private landlord, and many are worried about being?evicted,?says Cornwall Council. It’s urging people to get in?touch?with Cornwall Housing’s Prevention and Engagement Team at?www.cornwallhousing.org.uk?or by calling 0300 1234 161 now.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes Andrew Mitchell said:?“You may be a private renter who is experiencing difficulties, including being able to pay the rent.? The ban on evictions has been useful but there will some renters out there who are dreading the next few months. Our message is that Cornwall Housing’s Prevention & Engagement Service is open for business and we encourage you to get in touch and ask for help and support so we can try to prevent you losing your home.”

He added: “Landlords too may also be facing financial pressures and tenants should continue to pay their rent if they can afford it.

“If you are a private rented sector landlord who may be getting ready to serve notice or to pursue existing possession orders, again, we are here to offer advice on the support that is available to help if you have a tenant who is breaching their tenancy agreement.

“We can offer mediation and support to both parties to help avoid evictions.” 

Anyone who rents from one of Cornwall’s Social and Supported Housing landlords, should get in touch with their landlord straight away if they are having difficulty in paying your rent.

“Please do not ignore the problem,” said Cllr Mitchell.

“All these social housing landlords, as well as our Prevention and Engagement Service, have trained and knowledgeable staff who will work with you on your options and guide you towards other sources of support such as claiming benefits and debt reduction.”

There are also three discretionary funds to support residents in need of extra financial help: ? 

Discretionary Housing Payments?for residents who rent their home, are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and need extra help to pay their rent.???? 

Exceptional Relief?for working age residents in receipt of Council Tax Support and who need further financial help to pay their Council tax???? 

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Crisis and Care Award scheme?which can provide extra help in emergency or disaster situations.? ??