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If you’re in England and facing homelessness, or the risk of it, know this: you have rights. There is a legal duty for councils to help you.
The most important step is to contact your local council immediately. Don’t wait until you’re on the street.
This guide explains exactly who qualifies for help, what to do now, and the types of support available, including supported housing.
What Does ‘At Risk of Homelessness’ Mean in England?
It’s not just about sleeping rough. The law, specifically the Homelessness Reduction Act, has a broad definition to help people early.
You are legally considered to be threatened with homelessness if you are likely to become homeless within 56 days (8 weeks).
You are legally homeless if:
- No Legal Right: You’ve been evicted or served a valid notice to leave, like a Section 21 notice.
- Cannot Access Home: Your landlord has illegally locked you out, for example.
- Unreasonable to Stay: It’s not safe or reasonable to live there due to violence, abuse, or very poor conditions.
- No Fixed Home: You are staying with friends or family temporarily with no long-term security (“sofa surfing”).
If any of these situations sound familiar, you need to act now. The 56-day rule is crucial; it gives the council time to help prevent you from losing your home.
Your First Step: Contact Your Local Council Immediately
This is the most critical action you can take. Don’t delay. The housing department at your local council is your official starting point for getting help.
Here’s exactly what to do.
- Find Your Council: Go to the official GOV.UK “Find your local council” website. Just enter your postcode.
- Make Contact: Find the details for their housing options or homelessness team. Call them or go to the council offices in person if you can.
- State Your Situation: Tell them you need to make a “homelessness application”. Use these exact words. Explain your situation clearly and honestly.
- Gather Documents: If you have them, bring proof of identity, any eviction notice, and details of your income. But don’t wait if you can’t find them.
Important: You have a legal right to make a homelessness application to any local council. They must assess your case.
What Happens After You Make a Homelessness Application?
Once you’ve made contact, the council has a legal duty to look into your circumstances. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s a structured process to help you.
A housing officer will be assigned to your case. They will conduct an assessment to understand your situation and what help you’re eligible for.
Together, you will create a Personalised Housing Plan (PHP). This is a vital document. It’s a written plan of action.
Your PHP will list the steps the council will take to help you, and the steps you need to take yourself. This could include things like:
- Council’s Steps: Talking to your landlord, helping with a deposit for a new place, or referring you to specialist services.
- Your Steps: Searching for private rented properties, providing requested documents, or attending appointments.
It’s essential that you cooperate with the steps in your PHP. If you don’t, the council may decide it no longer has a legal duty to help you.
What Kind of Support Can the Council Offer?
The council’s help comes in stages, based on your situation. Their main goal is to stop you from becoming homeless in the first place.
Here are the main duties the council has:
| Type of Duty | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Prevention Duty | If you are at risk of homelessness within 56 days, the council must take reasonable steps to help you keep your home or find a new one. |
| Relief Duty | If you are already homeless, the council must take reasonable steps to help you find suitable accommodation for at least 6 months. |
| Emergency Housing | If the council thinks you may be in “priority need,” they may have a duty to find you emergency temporary housing while they assess your case. |
Emergency housing could be a room in a hostel, a B&B, or other temporary accommodation. It’s a safety net, not a long-term solution.
Understanding Key Terms: Priority Need and Local Connection
These two terms are very important in determining the level of help you receive, especially when it comes to emergency and long-term housing.
Priority Need refers to people who are considered particularly vulnerable. You are automatically in priority need if you:
- Are pregnant or have dependent children living with you.
- Are a young person aged 16 or 17.
- Are homeless because of a fire, flood, or other disaster.
- Are considered vulnerable due to old age, serious health problems, or physical disability.
- Are fleeing domestic abuse.
A Local Connection means you have a link to the council’s area. This could be because you’ve lived there for 6 of the last 12 months, work there, or have close family there.
If you have no local connection, the council might refer you to another council where you do have one, but they must still help you in the short term.
What is Supported Housing and Who Is It For?
Supported housing is more than just a roof over your head. It provides accommodation alongside support to help people live independently.
This type of housing is designed for people who face specific challenges and need extra help to manage a tenancy and their daily life.
It’s often provided by housing associations or charities, and the council can refer you. Support can include help with:
- Managing bills and budgeting.
- Accessing mental or physical health services.
- Finding work or training.
- Developing life skills.
Supported housing is for specific groups, such as:
- Young people leaving care.
- People with learning or physical disabilities.
- People with mental health issues.
- Those recovering from substance misuse.
- People fleeing domestic violence.
If you think you need this kind of help, you should discuss it with your housing officer during your assessment. They can refer you to a suitable scheme.
Where to Get Free, Independent Housing Advice
Dealing with the council can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are expert charities that provide free, impartial advice and can advocate on your behalf.
Never feel like you are alone in this process. Contact these organisations:
- Shelter England: This is the leading housing and homelessness charity. Their website has a wealth of information. You can call their free emergency helpline on 0808 800 4444.
- Citizens Advice: They offer free, confidential advice on a wide range of issues, including housing, debt, and benefits. They have local branches across England.
- Civil Legal Advice (CLA): If you are facing eviction or homelessness, you might qualify for free legal advice (legal aid). You can check your eligibility on the GOV.UK website.
These organisations can help you understand your rights and challenge a council decision if you think it’s wrong.
Safety Alert: How to Avoid Housing Scams
When you are in a desperate situation, you can become a target for scammers. It’s vital to know the warning signs to protect yourself.
Crucial Reminder: Applying for housing help from your local council or a reputable charity is always free. Never pay anyone who promises to “speed up” your application.
Be extremely wary of:
- “Guaranteed” Housing Services: Anyone online or on social media who promises guaranteed council housing for a fee is a scammer.
- Requests for Upfront Fees: Do not pay money to individuals to get on a housing list or to view a property you found online.
- Unofficial Channels: Only give personal documents like your passport or bank statements to official council staff or trusted charities like Shelter.
- Suspicious Websites: Always check that websites are official. Government sites end in .gov.uk, and major charities have recognisable web addresses.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Trust your instincts and stick to the official channels.
Your Legal Rights: What If the Council Disagrees?
Sometimes the council may make a decision you don’t agree with. They might decide you are not homeless or not in priority need.
If this happens, you have the right to ask for a review of the decision. You must do this within 21 days of receiving the decision letter.
Your request for a review should be in writing. Explain why you think the decision is wrong and provide any new evidence you have.
This is a critical moment to get independent advice. Contact Shelter or Citizens Advice immediately. They can help you write your review request and ensure it’s strong.
The council must complete the review within a set timeframe. If you’re still unhappy with the outcome, you may be able to appeal to the county court.
Knowing your rights is the first step. The law is there to protect you, so don’t be afraid to take action and seek help today.
