Many renters in England worry about what happens if they lose a home or face eviction. This guide explains relief duty — the obligation councils have to help people who are homeless or at risk — and what tenants can reasonably expect. It covers how to contact your local housing team, the personalised housing plan you should be offered, the practical forms landlords and councils use, and the options if a council rejects your application. The language is plain so tenants can follow steps, deadlines and evidence they should gather to protect their rights in England. If you are on a low income, claiming benefits, or dealing with poor housing conditions, this page focuses on what to do next and who to contact.
What relief duty means
Relief duty is the council's duty to help someone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to secure accommodation. It triggers when you are eligible and the council accepts your homelessness application and decides relief steps are appropriate.[1]
Council obligations under relief duty
Councils must carry out assessments, offer a personalised housing plan and take reasonable steps to help you keep or find accommodation. Relevant tenancy law includes the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 which underpin many procedural rights for tenants and landlords.[2]
What councils must do
- Provide a housing assessment within a reasonable time and identify immediate needs.
- Issue a personalised housing plan with clear tasks and timescales so you know what to do next.
- Help you to secure alternative accommodation or give advice to prevent eviction.
- Provide temporary accommodation if you are eligible while relief duty applies.
- Record evidence, referrals and any support offered to you during the relief period.
Key forms tenants and landlords should know
- Form 6A: Notice seeking possession — used by landlords to start a Section 21 possession; for example, a landlord serving Form 6A when they want possession at the end of a tenancy.
- Form N5: Claim for possession of property — used to start court possession proceedings; for example, a landlord files N5 when a tenant has stayed beyond a notice period.
- Personalised housing plan — no national form number; councils must offer this plan to set actions and deadlines and you should get a copy at the end of your housing interview.
If your application is refused or you disagree
Ask the council for a written decision explaining the reasons and ask how to request a review or a reconsideration. You can lodge a review and, if needed, appeal decisions to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or pursue a judicial review in the courts depending on the issue.[3]
FAQ
- Who is eligible for relief duty?
- Tenants and others who are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days and who are eligible for assistance from the council.
- How long does relief duty last?
- Relief duty applies for a reasonable period while the council takes steps to help you either keep your home or find settled housing.
- Can a landlord evict me while relief duty is in place?
- A landlord must follow the correct legal process to evict; the council should try to prevent eviction while relief duty is owed but eviction notices and court action may still proceed.
How-To
- Contact your local council housing options team as soon as you are homeless or at risk and ask for help.
- Provide clear evidence: ID, tenancy agreement, rent records, photos and letters from support agencies.
- Attend any interviews or appointments the council arranges and agree your personalised housing plan.
- Follow the steps in the personalised housing plan and keep records of all actions you and the council take.
- If you disagree with a decision, ask for a review, seek legal advice and consider an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Key Takeaways
- Councils must assess your situation and provide a personalised plan under relief duty.
- Keep thorough records and proof of communications to support your case.
- You have review and appeal options, including the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Help and Support / Resources
- GOV.UK - Help from your council if you're homeless
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
- Housing Act 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
