At risk of becoming homeless?
Our Housing Options Service helps customers who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Who can ask for help?
You can ask for help you if you think you could lose your home within the next 56 days (eight weeks) and you:
- have fled your home due to violence
- have received a S21 notice to vacate your home
- have been issued with a Possession order
- are in rent arrears or your accommodation is unsuitable due to a severe medical condition
- have been asked to leave your home by family or friends
You must also meet immigration rules. This means that you must be:
- a British or Irish citizen
- an EU citizen working in the UK or with the permanent right to live in the UK
- allowed to claim benefits in the UK if you are from outside the EU
If you do qualify for help, we will work with you for up to eight weeks to you prevent you becoming homeless. If you then go on to lose your home, we will work with you for another eight weeks.
How to ask for help
If you meet the qualifying criteria above, please call 0800 731 6844 between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm. We no longer offer an online referral service.
When you speak to us
When you call us, an adviser will ask you a number of questions tell you if we can help you or signpost you to other sources of help.
You may be asked for information that supports what you tell us. This might include:
- proof of identity or immigration status
- an eviction notice
- proof of any medical conditions
- a GP’s letter that proves you are pregnant
- your last 5-year address history
If we need to assess your needs in more detail, we will offer you a face-to-face or phone appointment with a member of the Housing Options team within 14 days.
How we use your personal information
We may discuss your personal circumstances with other agencies or people who care for or support you.
It is against the law to give false or misleading information to obtain housing, should you give us incorrect information or do not tell us something we need to know, we may take legal action. This may result in you being evicted from any accommodation we find you and facing court action that can lead to a substantial fine of up to £5,000.
The information you provide may also be used to prevent fraud, and crime and disorder.