A court order which can give a person the right to return to or stay in their home, or to keep someone else out. Occupation orders can also be used to enforce existing rights, or to give or end rights to occupy a property. Occupation orders usually last a specific length of time and are not a long-term solution.

• See Occupation orders

A person who rents their home and has only limited protection from eviction under the law. You are likely to be an occupier with basic protection if:

• you live in the same building as your landlord but you do not share living accommodation with your landlord, or
• you live in a student hall of residence, or
• you pay a very low rent or a very high rent.

• See Occupiers with basic protection

A mortgage which combines a flexible mortgage with a current account in one package. Money in your current (or savings) account can be offset against the amount you owe on your mortgage, so that your interest payments are reduced.

• See Repayment options

A watchdog/regulator that investigates complaints about public bodies and service providers. An ombudsman can offer free, impartial advice and can help to resolve disputes. There are different ombudsman schemes for different sectors. For example:

• See Complaints about councils
• See Complaints about housing associations
• See Complaints about lenders
• See Complaints about solicitors

A court order which gives your landlord or mortgage lender the right to take possession of your home on a particular date. 

• See Court orders (if you are renting)
• See What the court can do (if you are a homeowner)

Where you are paid more than you are entitled to under the welfare benefit rules. Overpayments can usually (but not always) be claimed back from you – deductions can be made from your future benefits if necessary. 

• See Changes in circumstances for an example

The legal definition of overcrowding is very narrow and is based on the number of people per room and/or the amount of space in each room.

• See Overcrowding