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Abandoned Properties

When a tenancy is taken up with Derwentside Homes, it is a condition of that tenancy that it is the tenants’ only or main home.

If you have any reason to believe that a tenant has abandoned one of our properties then please contact the your local office, contacting us on 08458 505 600 or email us at customer.services@derwentsidehomes.co.uk with the details of the property and any other information.

An officer from Derwentside Homes will visit the property and take statements from neighbours. If the property has been abandoned, a Notice to Quit will be served. Provided the tenant has not made contact to stake their claim to the property, we may then take possession after 28 days.

It is important to let us know if you see a property that may be abandoned as we may need to make it secure to prevent unauthorised occupants from taking it over. This could also be preventing someone from accommodation who is in need.

Homelessness

When Derwentside District Council transferred their housing stock to Derwentside Homes, the Homelessness Advice and Assistance Service remained with Derwentside District Council (this has now been taken on by Durham County Council).

Homelessness can happen to anyone and it is not just about sleeping on the street. There are ae numbers of reasons why people are homeless or threatened with homelessness. If you find yourself in this situation please contact Durham County Council Council immediately on 01207 639693, call in person to Civic Centre, Medomsley Road, Consett/ Council Offices, Front Street, Stanley or click here to log onto their website.

Help in a relationship breakdown

We want to develop a sensitive response to those going through a relationship breakdown, and will try to help by working with a variety of agencies to respond to individual needs. We may be able to refer you to one of our partners who can offer advice and support, particularly for vulnerable tenants, to cater for their individual circumstances.

For further information please see our Relationship Breakdown Policy.

Housing Ombudsman Service

The Housing Ombudsman Service is an independent organisation dealing with complaints against landlords and agents, and other housing disputes.

All residents in homes managed by a registered social landlord (housing association) are able to use this service. Complaints about public housing (i.e. councils or local authorities) have to be made to the Local Government Ombudsman. Complainants must go through the complaints procedure of their landlord or agent before the Ombudsman can intervene.

To download the comments and complaints leaflet or read more on the Housing Ombudsman Service, please click on the link provided http://www.ihos.org.uk/complainants/downloads.asp