If the council takes you to court, we recommend that you seek independent legal advice to help you present your side of the argument, and attend the court hearing when asked.
One option is to use a county court housing advice and representation scheme. Some schemes are free, providing independent and confidential advice and representation to homeowners and tenants in repossession cases. Citizens Advice Bureau also offers free advice and can recommend a solicitor, or contact Advice Portsmouth on 023 9279 4340, to find the best place to get help.
We recommend these schemes because, in addition to help in court, they can identify other advice needs which you might not be aware of yourself.
The court will advise you on what will happen at the hearing and, if the court awards us a possession order, it will tell you what you must do to avoid eviction, by, for example, laying out a payment schedule for you to follow. You can apply to vary this order by contacting the court direct (the council has no power to change terms laid down by the court).
If you do not comply with the court's terms, eviction is then one option open to us.