The new government backed scheme kicks off today August 1st and is to help renters and homeowners facing eviction or repossession of which there is an estimated 38,000 per year at risk of losing their ‘homes’.

The new free legal advice scheme - the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service - is for England and Wales and is now available to renters or homeowners who receive a written notice in the form of an email from a landlord or a letter from a mortgage provider.

Examples of written evidence include notice to leave the property where the renting agreement lacks security of tenure which in law and practice makes protection against forced eviction very difficult, notice to quit from a  landlord where an informal licence exists, a letter from the court announcing the tenant or homeowner that possession proceedings have been issued.

The service provides advice on Housing, Debt, Welfare Benefits issues, and includes funding renters legal court costs -‘In Court Duty’ - irrespective of their financial situation called ‘In Court Duty’.

A government statement says: “The service enables anyone at risk of losing their home or facing possession proceedings to get free legal advice, and representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

The Ministry of Justice says the advice is part of an extra £10 million a year which is being put aside for housing legal aid.

Justice Minister Lord Bellamy said:

“Having access to the right legal advice at the earliest point possible is crucial for those who face losing their home, to ensure they have the support and help they need.

“We are creating this new service so that fewer people lose their home and can get help with their finances and resolve issues before they escalate.”

Richard Merrick of PIMS, says: “ All governments both past and present are guilty of not providing anywhere enough social housing stock, and is just another attempt to control the private rented sector and is in essence a direct threat to landlords of having to face costly and lengthy court proceedings.

“This will be viewed as an opportunity for some tenants to take advantage of and once again ‘legally fleece’ landlords of rent payments and of moving themselves or family back into their own properties.