u/Background-Salary625

have lived in a housing association flat, Lambeth/London for 28 years. The tenancy is in the name of the original tenant who was not there when I moved in and has never returned. I have paid rent continuously throughout using the original tenant's payment card -- the only mechanism available. A Suspended Possession Order was made against the original tenant in 1997 but was never enforced against me. The housing association has now told the council I am not the recognised tenant. I have a homelessness interview in June. What is my legal status and does the length of occupation give me any rights?