Private tenants in Wakefield struggling to pay rent urged to seek help as evictions start again
Tenants struggling to pay their rent have been urged to seek help as evictions begin again this week.
People renting private accommodation across the UK were given a "holiday" from payments after March if they were struggling for cash.
But the government has ended that scheme and charities are warning of a probable wave of eviction notices this autumn.
Courts in England and Wales will now begin hearing eviction cases again, though ones involving domestic violence and anti-social behaviour will be prioritised ahead of cases where the issues are simply financial.
Simon Topham, the chief executive of Citizen's Advice in Wakefield, said it was possible that both tenants and landlords were struggling financially and that anyone facing problems should approach the organisation for support.
He said: "People should seek help straight away.
"The best thing to do is to address the problem and not hide away from it.
There will be some private landlords who are reliant on the income they get from tenants.
"If their tenant has got into difficulties there could be a situation where both sides are in arrears and it’s causing financial issues.
"Under those circumstances I’d urge both parties to come and see us."
The ban on evictions was initially due to expire last month, but the government later extended it until this week.
Citizen's Advice Wakefield can be contacted on 03444 111 444. Lines are open 9 - 5pm.
The charity's office on King Street is currently open from 10am - 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Local Democracy Reporting Service