Hardship Advice and Support for Residents

Hartlepool Borough Council provides a wide range of housing-related services, including housing advice (tenant and landlord), advice on homelessness, what to do about property disrepair and how to access social housing. You can find out more at Housing Services | Hartlepool Borough Council. If you are at risk of homelessness call 01429 266522 and ask for the Housing Advice Team. For housing repair issues please call 01429 523705. You can find helpful advice and tips on how to reduce condensation, damp & mould in your home in the Damp and Condensation Leaflet

If your landlord is a registered provider (e.g. Thirteen, Accent, Karbon, Believe, Home Group) then make sure you speak to your Housing or Tenancy Support Adviser.  They should keep you up-to-date with any help available and are there to discuss problems with money and if you are struggling with your rent. 

Some people can get help with paying their rent through Universal Credit or through Housing Benefit.  The service you are eligible for depends on a number of circumstances.  For information on help with your rent via Universal Credit you can check out Housing costs and Universal Credit: What you can get.  For help with Housing Benefit speak to the Council on 01429 266522 or apply online at Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

Some people can get help paying their council tax.  You can find out more at Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Local charities and groups such as Advice @ Hart, Age Concern, Citizens Advice and West View Advice and Resource Centre will also help you navigate your way through help with housing costs. 

In some cases, the Council can help people with shortfalls in their rent or other related housing costs.  This is a grant from the government called Discretionary Housing Payments and once it’s spent no more help can be provided in that year.  For more information go to Discretionary Housing Payment | Hartlepool Borough Council to make an application.

If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, speaking to your mortgage lender is key. Local advice services such as Citizens Advice and West View Advice can also help with mortgage debts or other debts.