What to Do If You Become Homeless

Facing homelessness or losing your home is extremely stressful, but you do not have to handle it alone. UK housing law gives local authorities clear legal duties to help people who are homeless or at risk of losing their accommodation within 56 days. Knowing your rights and reaching out for support quickly can help secure safe housing.

How Housing Law Defines Homelessness

Under English law, homelessness is not restricted to sleeping on the streets. You are legally considered homeless or at risk of homelessness if:

• You have no home in the UK or anywhere else that you have a legal right to occupy.
• You have received a formal notice to leave your current accommodation within the next 56 days.
• It is unsafe for you to stay in your home due to domestic violence, abuse, or threats of violence.
• You are living in severe conditions that are unfit, or you are 'sofa surfing' without a permanent address.
• You cannot gain entry to your home, or you live in a mobile home or boat with nowhere legally permitted to park or moor it.

Local Council Legal Duties

When you apply for homeless assistance from your local authority, the council must assess your circumstances and trigger specific statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act:

1. Prevention Duty (at risk within 56 days): If you are threatened with homelessness, the council must work with you to help you stay in your current home or secure alternative housing before you become homeless.
2. Relief Duty (currently homeless): If you are already homeless, the council must take reasonable steps for at least 56 days to help you secure suitable accommodation.
3. Main Housing Duty: If you are still homeless after the relief duty period, the council must offer you suitable long-term housing if you meet eligibility rules, are in priority need, and did not become homeless intentionally.

Who Qualifies for Priority Need

The council must provide emergency temporary accommodation while assessing your application if they believe you may be homeless, eligible, and in 'priority need'. Priority need groups include:

• Pregnant women or households with dependent children.
• People who are vulnerable due to old age, physical disability, mental health conditions, or serious illness.
• Young care leavers aged 18 to 20.
• People rendered homeless by an emergency disaster such as a fire or flood.
• Individuals fleeing domestic abuse or violent threats.

Practical Steps to Take Immediately

1. Contact your local council housing team: Contact your local council's homelessness or housing options service right away. You do not need to wait until you are literally on the street.
2. Gather essential documents: Bring identification (passport, driving licence, birth certificate), proof of income or benefits, tenancy contracts, eviction notices, and medical documentation.
3. Request a Personalised Housing Plan: The council will assess your situation and create a written plan outlining steps both you and the council must take to find accommodation.
4. Get legal support if turned away: If a council refuses to take your application or denies emergency accommodation, seek immediate advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice to challenge the decision.

To find local council contact details and understand your legal rights, search the GOV.UK homelessness help service, consult Citizens Advice homelessness resources, or call Shelter's Emergency Housing Helpline.