How we deal with Rent Arrears and Evictions
If you cannot pay your rent you must contact Michelle Powell at Symonds & Sampson to explain the problem and discuss ways to bring the rent up to date. You can contact Michelle at:
Symonds & Sampson
30 High West Street Dorchester DT1 1UP
01305 261 008
mpowell@symondsandsampson.co.uk
Do not ignore debt problems! It only gets worse if you take no action.
You may be entitled to claim housing benefit from West Dorset District Council https://www.dorsetforyou.com/housing-benefit
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can offer you advice on any additional benefits you may be entitled to claim. http://www.westdorsetcab.org.uk/
If you have a number of debts the Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you manage these debts. It is essential that you prioritise your debts. Rent payments, council tax and Inland Revenue bills should be given priority over other bills.
If you do not pay your rent you may risk losing your home
Symonds & Sampson monitors all rent accounts weekly and will contact you if a payment is missed.
They will ask you to pay the rent due immediately, but if this is not possible they will discuss a payment plan with you. If you agree to this plan, it is your responsibility to ensure these payments are made.
If for any reason you cannot make a payment, you must call Symonds & Sampson immediately.
If you fail to pay your rent or keep to a payment plan you will receive a Notice of Seeking Possession which is the first legal step to the repossession of your home. The notice stays in force for a year. Four weeks after service of a notice the Society can apply for a Court Hearing.
If after receiving the notice you still fail to make the agreed payments and do not contact Symonds & Sampson, an application to court will be made. This can lead to court costs of £325 being added to your debt and you could be evicted from your home
If you are evicted for rent arrears West Dorset District Council may decide you are intentionally homeless and may give you a low priority for re-housing.
Contact Michelle Powell for housing management, including rents, lettings, repairs and maintenance.
mpowell@symondsandsampson.co.uk
30 High West Street Dorchester DT1 1UP
Dianne Lawrence
Contact for general enquiries, Society management and organisation, committee matters, Mill Street history and complaints.
Fordington Hill House,
High Street Fordington,
Dorchester, DT1 1LZ
Emily Frame
The warden service is available for residents in sheltered housing: Weekdays 9am-5pm.
or fill in our contact form