Housing Referral Criteria

Emphasis should be on whether the client, with the correct information and/or signposting, is able to self-help with regards to their housing issues.

ROCHDALE AND OLDHAM CLIENTS

Clients should contact Rochdale Council’s Strategic Housing Team on:

0300 303 8874 Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm / Sat 9am – 1pm

If they are experiencing:

· Harassment

· Unlawful eviction

· Disrepair (where there are no possession proceedings only. If possession proceedings have been started by landlord in the past, no matter when then client can be referred to Housing Team via Task to Ryan Wharmby)

Clients for which a referral to Housing team is appropriate:

· Client resides in Oldham or Rochdale area

· In rented accommodation (whether social or private landlord) and is facing possession for any reason i.e. rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, trespasser (regardless of the stage the proceedings are at) Notice Seeking Possession / Court Hearings / Eviction Warrants

· Are homeless and the Local Authority are refusing to take a homeless application or the client has received an adverse decision following a homeless application and they need advice on challenging that decision

· The Local Authority are refusing to provide emergency accommodation for a homeless client who is street homeless

· Urgent referrals such as where the client is street homeless, imminent eviction or deadline should be emailed to Ryan Wharmby in the first instance ryan.wharmby@penninewest.cab

· Checking of the validity of notices to quit.

· Tenant and/or landlord rights not able to be covered at gateway.

Rochdale and Oldham clients, tasks to: Ryan Wharmby

All other clients work queue

Clients for which a referral to Mortgage Rescue / Debt team is appropriate:

· Please ensure a full CIA is completed

· Homeowners at risk of repossession. e.g. mortgage arrears - does not matter whether or not Court proceedings have been issued.

Rochdale clients, task to: Joan Girdwood

Oldham/Trafford/Tameside clients, task to: David Oglaza