Tenancy relations
Our Tenancy Relations service is available to help victims of harassment, threats, abuse, intimidation or unlawful eviction where you feel you may have to leave your home. Through mediation between landlord and tenant, or if necessary through taking action or legal proceedings against the person or persons causing tenancy difficulties, our work centres around enabling tenants to stay in their home.
What assistance may be provided?
- We will investigate allegations of illegal eviction and harassment in the private rental sector under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977
- We will consider referring cases to the Legal department for prosecution under the act provided there is sufficient evidence
- We will investigate leaseholder offences and prosecute where necessary under Sections 21 and 22 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- Rent Book offences under section 5 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and section 54 sub-section 4 of the Rent Act 1977 will be investigated
- Landlords’ failure to supply their name and address contrary to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sections 1 and 3, and the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 will be investigated
- We will mediate and offer advice in disputes about deposits
What costs are involved and who pays for these?
This service is free at the point of delivery to its users. Even if the cases go to court the costs are borne by Lambeth Council.
How do I access the service?
You can access our Tenancy Relations service by approaching the Housing Services unit and providing them with the details of your situation and why you believe you need assistance.
Other agencies such as Citizens Advice Bureaux and solicitors also have our details and can refer you to our service if they believe we can assist you.
What happens next?
When you contact us we will take statements from you and (where necessary) from the alleged perpetrators regarding your allegations. In cases of harassment our Tenancy Relations officers will warn landlords, try to resolve the conflict and monitor the situation. In cases of illegal eviction, provided that the tenancy falls within the scope of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977,our Tenancy Relations officers will seek to re-instate the tenant who has been evicted.. If we cannot achieve this, the tenant is referred to a solicitor to seek an injunction.
Service aims
- Tenancy Relations officers will investigate all allegations thoroughly and in a professional manner
- The Tenancy Relations officers will endeavour to maintain contact with the client throughout the court case
- It is the Housing Services unit’s aim that tenancies are maintained for as long as legally possible
- It is the aim of the Tenancy Relations officers that at the end of their intervention, conflicts are resolved and Landlords are better informed of the laws, which govern private rented sector