Written by Super User on . Posted in Homelessness.
If you're already homeless, or likely to become homeless within the next 8 weeks you can apply for help getting somewhere to live from your local council. This is known as making a homeless application.
The council will look into your situation to decide what help they might be able to give you. There isn't a set time to get a decision, but there shouldn't be an unreasonably long delay.
Before making an application check if you're entitled to homeless help. If you're not sure, it's still worth applying because the council has to review all applications.
If you’re not a British citizen and...
Written by Super User on . Posted in Homelessness.
You can apply to the council to get somewhere to live if you're homeless or you’II become homeless within 8 weeks.
If you’re not a British citizen and you’ve been rough sleeping your right to stay in the UK might be affected. If you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme your application cannot be turned down because of rough sleeping. Talk to an adviser if you’re worried that rough sleeping might affect your immigration status.
You don’t have to be sleeping on the streets to be considered homeless. You can apply for help even if you have somewhere to live but it’s not suitable. For example,...
If you live in a council or housing association home that doesn’t meet your needs you might be able to move to a different one.
This could be because:
your home is too small for you
your home doesn’t meet your health or disability needs
your benefits have been reduced and you can’t afford your rent
you need to move to a different area
There are two ways of moving to a different home - it might be worth trying both depending on your situation.
You can apply to move to an empty council or housing association home - this is called a ‘tenancy transfer’.
You can also apply to swap your...
You can apply for a home through your local council. They might also call it ‘social housing’.
If your application is accepted, you’ll go on to a waiting list of people who need a council home. Your council will then prioritise applications based on who needs a home most urgently. The council’s allocations scheme will give details of who gets priority for homes in the area.
Even if you get on the waiting list there’s no guarantee you’ll get a home.
You could be offered a home owned by your local council or housing association.
You might have to apply to some housing associations directly...
Before you can rent a property you’II need to provide information and documents to show you’II be a good tenant.
You will also have to show you and any other adults that will be living with you have the ‘right to rent’ in the UK.
Having your documents ready can help you rent more quickly.
Get your landlord’s or letting agent’s name and contact details before you give them your documents.
Proving you have the right to rent
Your landlord or letting agent will ask to see your immigration documents or passport when you start or renew your tenancy. They will also ask to see the documents of...
You’II need to consider a number of things when you’re looking for a home to rent. For example whether to rent from a landlord or letting agent and the best way to search for a property.
You also need to think about what questions to ask your landlord or letting agent so you don’t lose money.
Different steps will need to be followed if you want to rent from a council or housing association.
It can be difficult to get the money needed to rent a property. If you’re on a low income you might be able to get help with renting costs.
Deciding whether to rent from a landlord or letting agent
Whether...