A council has launched a ‘Call Before You Serve’ initiative, offering to mediate between landlords and tenants before an eviction notice is served.
Milton Keynes council claims the new initiative 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 who are facing eviction proceedings.
‘Call Before You Serve’ 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, the council says it will “assess the situation and assist with finding alternative accommodation.”
An online referral form is available on the council website 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.
It says this 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. 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” says a council spokesperson.
This article is taken from Landlord Today