What to do if you are at risk of homelessness

If you think you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, for example through eviction, debt, unemployment or relationship breakdown, complete and submit a homeless referral online form and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible. 

If you are not sure about your situation you can always call us on 01353 665555 to book an appointment or you can come to the council offices to see one of our advisers at our drop-in clinic.

The earlier you contact us, the more time we will have to find a solution. We are here to help and will do what we can to help you keep your home. 

Definition of homelessness

The law says someone is homeless if:

  • “They have no accommodation anywhere in the world that is legally available for them to live in.”
  • you cannot live in your house because of flood, fire or other disaster
  • you have a home, but it is unreasonable for you to continue to live there
  • you have less than 56 days remaining in your existing accommodation
  • your home is a moveable structure, such as a boat or caravan, and you have nowhere to put it legally
  • you have a home but you or a member of your family would be at risk of violence if you continue to live there 

If you are not considered to be homeless or threatened with homelessness your application will come to an end and instead we will see if there is any further support we can offer you, such as help with maintaining a tenancy. For further information on:

Eligibility for assistance

The council can only provide accommodation for you if you are eligible for assistance. The term “eligible” is usually related to your status here in the United Kingdom.  

It means you are not subject to immigration control (Asylum and Immigration Act 1999). The law in this area is complicated and you should ask for advice.

If we decide you are not eligible for assistance, your application will end and you will be given a decision in writing that advises where you can go for help. 

Intentionally homeless 

You are deemed intentionally homeless if you deliberately do or fail to do something which causes you to lose your home, which otherwise would have been available and reasonable for you to have continued living in.

The most common examples of people being made intentionally homeless are:

  • refusing to pay rent when there was enough income coming into the home
  • breaching your tenancy conditions and therefore giving the landlord the option of obtaining possession of the property
  • selling or giving up property that was available, suitable, and affordable to have continued occupying, without satisfactory reasons
  • being evicted for anti-social behaviour caused by you, a member of your household or anyone visiting you

If you are found to be intentionally homeless, the council’s duty to provide temporary accommodation will end. However, we will continue to provide temporary accommodation for a reasonable period of time.