CHAC Event - Preventing Homelessness in the Canterbury District

On 7th October we were delighted to welcome Local Organisations, City Councillors and Canterbury City Council staff to our presentation event where we spoke about our work in general and over the past year. Chair of Trustees, John Wightman explained how we focus on preventing homelessness and as such are less visible than other homelessness services (eg for rough sleepers); ‘a ‘cinderella’ service’. Our clients tend to be housed but often precariously or vulnerable to eviction. Our Manager and Casework Supervisor, Paul Wilkinson talked through some case studies to bring our work to life.

Paul Wilkinson, CHAC Manager & Casework Supervisor

We explained how we provide free housing advice, assistance, negotiation, advocacy and representation on a wide range of housing issues and problems including homelessness, accessing accommodation in private, voluntary and social sectors, repossession, landlord/tenant issues and housing costs.

We heard from Viv Gambling, Solicitor from the Kent Law Clinic and CHAC Trustee about the effects of homelessness, especially on children living in temporary accommodation.

Viv Gambling, Kent Law Clinic and CHAC Trustee. John Wightman, Chair of Trustees right hand side of table

Pip Hazelton, Canterbury City Councillor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning gave us an overview of housing in the Canterbury District.

Pip Hazelton, Canterbury City Council

Stats about our work were discussed, such as how demand for our service has doubled in 10 years. More detailed information can be found in our Annual Report 2025-26 on our Publications Page.

Thanks to everyone who came to hear about us, our speakers and those who worked behind the scenes including Canterbury Homeless Outreach who volunteered some time to help out on the day.

Paul Todd - CHAC Trustee

Renters Rights Act

The Renters Rights Act is now in force. There are important changes that tenants need to be aware of:

  • Your landlord can no longer issue a Section 21 notice. They must give a legal reason to evict you with a Section 8 notice.

  • You now have a rolling tenancy which makes it easier for you to leave by giving notice

  • You need to give 2 months' notice to end your assured tenancy, unless you and your landlord agree a shorter notice in writing.

  • Your rent can only go up once a year. Any rent review clause in your agreement cannot be used

  • You can ask to keep a pet. Your landlord can only say no if they have a good reason

  • Your landlord can only take up to 1 month's rent before you move in

If your landlord wants to evict you with a Section 8 notice, how much notice you get depends on the reason they want you to leave. For example:

  • 4 weeks if you owe rent

  • 4 months if your landlord wants to sell

  • 4 months if they want to move in themselves

We can advise you on your rights, including checking that your eviction notice is valid, so get in contact to make an appointment. You can also find more general advice about the Renters Rights Act online e.g. from Shelter