Proposal designed to prevent homelessness and emotional stress.
Milton Keynes City Council has launched a new initiative offering support to landlords and tenants resolving issues before a notice is served.
Called ‘Call Before You Serve’ the new plan is designed to prevent homelessness, reduce the financial and emotional cost of legal proceedings and promote long-term stable tenancies. It is aimed at landlords, tenants and housing professionals dealing with eviction proceedings.
It offers free mediation to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes early. The service connects tenants to financial support and provides landlords with tailored advice about their legal responsibilities and alternative solutions to serving notice.
If staying isn’t possible, City Council colleagues will assess the situation and assist with finding alternative accommodation. Housing professionals and frontline services can also refer clients for early support, ensuring access to rent advice, mediation and financial help.
Further information is available here. An online referral form is available on the webpage for both landlords and tenants. Once submitted, the city council will assess the situation, identify the reasons for the referral and put together a plan that brings all parties together, which may include practical support such as access to financial assistance to help sustain the tenancy.
“No one wants to see a tenancy end in eviction,” said Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Ed Hume. “By offering early advice and support, we can help people stay in their homes, prevent homelessness and support landlords to find solutions. We’re encouraging both landlords and tenants to talk to us first.”
