We are committed to providing an excellent service to everyone seeking advice and assistance on a wide range of housing matters, and working closely with our partner organisations to ensure affordable housing is available for those who need it.
Housing Options & Advice Service
St Albans District Council offers a comprehensive housing options service providing a variety of housing options and where necessary, a variety of means to keep you in your home should there be a risk you may lose it.
The Housing Options Officers are available to meet with you to discuss your circumstances in your current home in the first instance or on the telephone. When this is not possible you can make an appointment in the Council Offices.
The Housing Options Officers will make every effort to keep you in your current home if there is a risk of you losing it. Where this is not possible then the Housing Options Officers will work with you to find a suitable alternative.
St Albans District Council works closely with a number of housing providers to provide housing solutions for everybody. We work with supported housing providers to accommodate young people in housing that it is suitable for their needs as well as with providers of housing for young mothers giving extra support where it is needed.
The Council can also refer you to other specialist housing providers on both a long and short term arrangement. For emergencies, St Albans has a night shelter where people can stay for up to 28 days whilst suitable alternative housing is found.
St Albans Council can also help you find accommodation via options such as Homebuy and Shared Ownership. You can also be given advice on Keyworker homes and further developments within the borough.
To discuss your housing options please call 01727 819271 / 819277 / 819449 / 819410 or 819413
If you are in danger of losing your home do not leave it too late before talking to us
A further comprehensive list of solutions available to you can be found in the Housing Options Handbook (see pdf file below)
Financial Assistance
If you are experiencing problems paying your mortgage or rent then there are a number of places that the council can refer you to for the relevant help. If you would like a specialist appointment then please contact us on the numbers mentioned above.
You will need to bring with you certain documents which you will be advised of at the time of making an appointment.
You may be able to maximise your income with certain benefits or you can get help to prioritise your debts and agencies such as the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) can help you do this. They may also be able to contact your lenders on your behalf to sort out a repayment plan which is suitable and affordable to you.
St Albans District Council can also refer you to the Governments 'Mortgage Rescue Scheme' whereby a local Housing Association may be able to help you stay in your home buy purchasing part of the property. Further details are available on the numbers above.
Please do not let your situation get out of control. Remember we are here to help.
Mediation
Mediation offers people the opportunity to talk to each other on neutral ground, and to negotiate a way through their difficulties. Several generations living together under the same roof can give rise to conflict and can result in a threat of homelessness. Mediation can help families to resolve these conflicts and either remove the threat of homelessness, or allow sufficient time for a move away from the family home to be planned and suitable alternative accommodation to be identified.
In St Albans, Relate have skilled and impartial mediators available to help people deal with a wide range of relationship problems. You can approach the service direct, or be referred by any one of a range of agencies including St Albans District Council.
If you are a young person age 16-25 you can work with Herts Young Homeless Group. Their experienced mediators work with young people to help both them and their families find solutions to relationship problems. Mediation can improve communication, is impartial and confidential. Mediators listen to the young person and their respective families without taking sides or making judgements. Mediators do not give advice or tell anyone what to do. The council can make a referral on your behalf.
Supported Housing
There are many housing providers in the St Albans District and surrounding area who provide supported housing for those who need it. Where it is appropriate we will always refer people for specialist housing in order that they receive the support they need and get all the available help.
Many people believe that a roof over their heads will resolve all their issues but unfortunately this is rarely the case.
Within the district and surrounding areas there are specialist housing providers to cater for the following groups of people
Young people aged 16-25
Single people and couples aged over 18
People leaving prison/offenders institute
People with drug and alcohol issues
People with mental health issues
How we can help...
Our advisors can give assistance with a wide range of housing problems, including:
- how to prevent loss of accommodation
- mortgage and rent arrears
- relationship breakdown
- rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and many more…..
Our web site contains more detailed advice and guidance on these issues:
or you can call us on 01727 866100
Date of last review: 21 August 2009