Tessa Shepperson, in an introduction to a Q&A makes a sound point that I think those of us who spend much of their time opposing local authorities tend to forget, which is that the Local Council’s tenancy relation services, environmental or housing advice services can be effective in illegal eviction or harrassment cases for private tenants, and can assist in the early stages of disrepair.
I tend to forget this because I am used to the less effective kinds of local authority behaviour, but I have now been reminded that I have had clients who have benefited from these services in the past and that they are certainly worth trying.