Council Homeless Help: Who Qualifies in England?

If you’re renting in England and facing eviction, overcrowding, or unsafe living conditions, you may wonder whether the council can help if you become homeless. Council support is a legal right for many renters, but eligibility depends on your circumstances. Here, you’ll find a clear guide to understanding your rights, how to apply for homelessness help, and what to expect from your local authority.

Understanding Council Homelessness Support

In England, councils must help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days. Their duties are defined in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017^[1] and the Housing Act 1996^[2]. Councils assess your situation and must provide advice and ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent or relieve your homelessness.

Who Is Eligible for Council Homelessness Help?

You may qualify for help if you meet all the following:

• You are homeless or about to lose your home. For example, if you’ve received an eviction notice (such as a Section 21 notice) or have to leave for another reason.
• You’re eligible for public funds. This usually means you have the right to stay in the UK (settled status, refugee, etc.).
• You have a local connection. Usually living, working, or family ties in the area.
• You are not ‘intentionally homeless’. For example, you did not lose your home on purpose (such as through anti-social behaviour or rent arrears that you could afford to pay).

If you’re in priority need (e.g., you have children, are pregnant, are vulnerable due to age or disability) the council may owe you more extensive duties, including emergency accommodation.

What Does ‘Homeless’ Mean?

• Sleeping rough or forced to leave your temporary accommodation soon
• Living somewhere unsafe or overcrowded
• Unable to stay at home due to violence or threats

Being threatened with homelessness within 56 days (such as after an eviction notice) also counts.

How to Apply for Council Homelessness Assistance

You should contact your local council’s housing department as soon as possible. They have a legal duty to assess your situation and provide support if you qualify. The main steps are:

• Contact the council—online, by phone, or in person
• Provide details about your circumstances and any eviction notices
• The council completes a ‘homelessness assessment’ interview
• If eligible, you receive a ‘Personalised Housing Plan’, outlining support steps

Key Official Forms

• Form: Homelessness Application (No official reference number)
  When and how to use: Fill in when you ask your local council for help. For example, if you’ve received a Section 21 (no-fault eviction) notice and must leave soon, complete your council’s online or in-person homelessness application. Apply for council homeless help. This triggers your legal assessment.
• Form: Section 21 Notice (Form 6A)
  When and how to use: Landlords in England must use Form 6A to serve valid “no-fault” eviction notices. If you receive this notice, you can show it to the council as proof you’re at risk. See the official version and requirements at Form 6A guidance.

If You’re Turned Down or Unhappy with the Outcome

If the council refuses to help or you disagree with their decision, you can request a review. This formal complaint process is outlined by the appropriate tribunal for housing matters in England: the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Relevant English Tenancy Laws and Legislation

• Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Housing Act 1996

These laws define who is entitled to homelessness help, the council’s duties, and how you can challenge decisions that you disagree with.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as being ‘homeless’ for council assistance?
   You’re considered homeless if you have nowhere to stay, will lose your accommodation within 56 days, or can’t safely stay where you are due to threats, violence, or poor conditions.
2. Can I get council homeless help if I’m being evicted?
   Yes, receiving an eviction notice (like a Section 21 notice) usually means you’re at risk of homelessness. Contact your council as soon as you get notice or as soon as you’re at risk.
3. Do I need to wait until I have nowhere to go before applying for help?
   No. You can apply as soon as you receive notice you may lose your home, or if your living situation becomes unsafe or unmanageable.
4. What documents will I need to provide for my application?
   You should bring proof of identity, your current lease or tenancy agreement, any eviction notice, and information about your income, bills, and family situation.
5. How long does the council have to help me?
   Councils must act promptly. They will assess your case within a few days and work with you over 56 days to prevent or relieve homelessness. If you qualify for emergency accommodation, this should be offered straight away.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

• If you’re threatened with homelessness, councils in England have legal duties to help.
• Apply as early as possible—ideally as soon as you receive an eviction notice.
• Keep all paperwork, especially notices and communication from your landlord, as this will help your case.

Don’t wait until you’re out of options—the council is there to advise and support you as early as possible.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Official government guide: Get homeless help from your council
• Shelter England: Homelessness help and advice
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Where you can challenge council housing decisions
• Citizens Advice: Homelessness

---

1. Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
2. Housing Act 1996

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation