If you may lose your home
In England and Wales, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service offers free legal help to people facing the loss of their home. The official guidance explains access from written notice that someone is seeking possession. Your finances do not decide access to this support.
Use the government page to find the right route. If you have court papers or a hearing date, mention them when you ask for help. This service is separate from a general search of solicitor firms.
Explain the problem in a few lines
Tell the adviser where the home is and whether you are a tenant, a landlord or someone else involved. Mention the type of problem and what has happened so far. A residential housing adviser may not handle business leases.
- Have the tenancy agreement and any notice or court paper ready.
- Keep relevant rent records and letters about a deposit.
- For a repair problem, note when you reported it and any replies.
- Tell the adviser about hearing dates or other dates on documents.
Ask what needs doing next
A notice or letter may need careful checking. Ask an adviser what it means in your situation and which dates matter. Do not assume that advice for a different part of the UK applies to your home.
- Do you advise people in my position and in this area?
- What needs attention first?
- Could I get legal aid or another free service?
- Which papers do you need, and how should I send them?
- If you cannot take the work, where else could I ask?
Check costs and availability
If you are choosing a private firm, ask whether the first call is free and what further advice costs. Check that the office can take your work in time.
A housing service label in this directory does not confirm that a firm offers legal aid. Ask the provider directly. You can also use our free-help guide to explore other routes.
Sources and further help
We used the sources below when updating this guide. Follow them for the latest details. This is general information, not advice on your case.