Someone at risk of losing their home does not have to wait for a court hearing before seeking specialist help. The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service offers government-funded legal advice and representation in England and Wales, with support available from an early stage.
When to ask for help
The Ministry of Justice says help is available once a person receives written notice that possession of their home is being sought. That could be an email from a landlord or a creditor's letter. Access to this service is not affected by the person's financial circumstances and there is no charge.
An adviser can consider the issues behind the possession action, including rent or mortgage arrears, debt, benefits and housing conditions. If a hearing goes ahead, free advice and representation can also be available at court. Official guidance recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early and speaking to the usher.
[Find the service and its postcode-based provider search](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/legal-aid-for-possession-proceedings).
Prepare a clear account
A useful preparation folder contains the notice or letter, tenancy or mortgage documents, payment records and relevant correspondence. Write a short timeline separating what happened from what you think it means. Put any court date prominently on the first page.
For example, a payment record and a landlord's rent schedule may show different balances. Flag that difference for the adviser instead of trying to resolve it by ignoring the notice. Ask which documents are missing and what needs to happen next. These are practical preparation suggestions, not a substitute for advice on the case.
Consider council support too
In England, the homelessness code says someone likely to become homeless within 56 days is threatened with homelessness. Where an applicant is eligible, the council must take reasonable steps to help prevent homelessness. That does not guarantee a particular home or outcome, but it is a reason to contact the housing team early.
[Read the England homelessness guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-6-homeless-or-threatened-with-homelessness).
Getting advice is not an automatic cancellation of proceedings. Keep responding to deadlines and let the adviser assess the notice and circumstances. Landlords and agents can signpost this service while maintaining accurate records and following the applicable possession process.