PACE Interview

Why have I been asked to attend an interview under caution?

You have been invited to a PACE interview under caution because the Council or Local Authority Housing Officers believes they have an opportunity to prosecute you for a criminal offence.

There is no standard format for this "invitation." And there is considerable hearsay evidence that Council Housing Officers 'accidentally' avoid making it clear to landlords the purpose and severity of such an "interview" until it is too late, you are there alone and without professional representation.

They may tell you that the purpose of the interview is give you the opportunity to provide an explanation of the events that have happened.

Do not be fooled. This is exactly the same as a Police Interview Under Caution and the sole purpose of a PACE interview is to collect evidence to incriminate you.

Your local friendly HMO or housing officer will NOT be friendly on this day. They are actually highly trained interrogators - they will use the same techniques to make you admit guilt that the Police use.

What is a caution?

You've heard it on the TV many times! The caution will be in the following terms:

"You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence."

Whatever you say WILL be used against you.

What should I do if the Council or Local Authority 'invite' me to a PACE interview.

1) Do not respond without getting professional advice.

2)  Get professional help - Contact Landlord Licensing and Defence for URGENT advice

3) Do NOT attend on your own. We can arrange representation to accompany you.

4) 99.9% of Landlords do not understand the law suffuciently

5) Without representation it is almost certain YOU WILL INCRIMINATE YOURSELF.

Am I legally required to attend a PACE interview under caution?

No. But not attending can make your situation worse.

Non-attendance should only be as a direct result of professional advice and with the proper notice given that you will not be attending.

The minute you get invited to 'An Interview at the Council', assume the worst and get professional help from us and our Barristers or from a Housing Act specialist solicitor immediately.