Support Options After Eviction in England

If you've been evicted from your home in England, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Eviction can place you in a difficult situation, but there is support available to help you find stable accommodation, manage your legal rights, and access financial or practical aid. This guide breaks down the main options for renters who have lost their home and explains what steps to take next.

Understanding Your Immediate Options

If you are evicted, don't ignore the situation — act quickly to safeguard your housing and legal rights. In England, your rights and the support available to you are guided by national housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988¹. If you are threatened with homelessness, or have already lost your accommodation, your local council is legally required to assist you.

Contacting Your Local Council: The First Step

Your local council is legally obligated to offer advice and support if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness within 56 days². Visit their website, call, or go to the housing office in person. Ask to speak to the homelessness prevention or housing options team. This is the quickest route to emergency help and guidance.

• Homelessness Application: The council may ask you to complete a homelessness application. This triggers an official assessment of your housing situation.
• Emergency Accommodation: If you have nowhere to stay, the council must provide temporary accommodation if you are eligible, in priority need (for example, if you have children, are pregnant, or are vulnerable), and if you are homeless through no fault of your own.
• Personal Housing Plan: Together with the council, you'll create a plan to help secure suitable long-term housing.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Homelessness Application Form (varies by council): Used to start your statutory homelessness assessment. Example: If you have just received an eviction warrant or bailiff notice, bring your documents to the council's housing office and ask to fill in this form. Find your council's details via Find your local council.
• Form N244 – Application Notice: If you need more time in your home after a possession order (for example, to delay an eviction date), you can apply to the court using this form. Submit this when you require a judge to consider your circumstances, such as if you have young children or are trying to arrange new housing. Download it from Apply for a court order: Form N244.

Access to Tribunals and Official Routes

Eviction cases are generally handled by the County Court. This is the tribunal where your landlord must go to get a possession order or an eviction warrant. If you receive court papers, you can respond and attend hearings to explain your situation.

Emergency Housing and Temporary Accommodation

The local council has a duty to provide emergency accommodation if you meet certain criteria, such as having dependent children, being pregnant, or being particularly vulnerable. Ask the council for your rights under the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII - Homelessness). This may include a room in a hostel, bed and breakfast, or other short-term solutions.

If you are not eligible for emergency accommodation, the council still has a duty to offer advice and support, including help with registering for council or social housing, or accessing private renting options.

Getting Legal Advice and Advocacy

Eviction and homelessness are stressful — professional advice can help protect your rights and identify the best course of action. You can:

• Contact Citizens Advice for free, impartial advice on housing rights and legal options.
• Access free or subsidised legal help via the Civil Legal Advice helpline if you qualify for legal aid.
• Ask to speak to a duty solicitor at court on the date of your hearing. Duty solicitors can represent you on the day for free.

Practical Steps After Eviction

• Keep all court paperwork, eviction notices, and correspondence from your landlord or agent.
• Act quickly: The sooner you speak to the council and support services, the more help you can get.
• Explore all available options for accommodation: emergency, friends/family, hostels, or private renting schemes.

Remember: You do not need to be sleeping rough to get help from the council. If you may become homeless within 56 days, you can approach them now.

FAQ

1. What should I do immediately after being evicted in England?
   Contact your local council for homelessness support, gather any relevant paperwork, and seek advice from official resources such as Citizens Advice.
2. Is the council obliged to provide me accommodation after an eviction?
   If you are eligible, in priority need, and haven't made yourself homeless intentionally, the council must offer emergency accommodation.
3. How do I apply for more time in my home after court eviction papers?
   You can use Form N244 to request a court order to delay eviction. Complete and submit this form to the County Court handling your case.
4. Can I challenge a council's decision if refused housing help?
   Yes. Ask for the decision in writing and request a review. You may also seek advice from Citizens Advice or Legal Aid.
5. Where can I find my local council's contact details?
   Use the official Find your local council service online for up-to-date council information.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Contact your local council as soon as you face eviction—they are required to help.
• Legal and housing charities like Citizens Advice offer vital guidance and may assist with challenging decisions or court actions.
• Keep records and seek advice promptly to maximise your options after losing your home.

Taking action early gives you the best chance of quickly securing safe accommodation and protecting your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Find your local council – Contact details for your local Housing Options or Homelessness team.
• Citizens Advice housing help – Free, impartial legal guidance for renters and those facing homelessness.
• Civil Legal Advice – Government legal aid helpline for eligible renters.
• Homelessness help from the council – Official service guiding you through homelessness support.
• Form N244: Application Notice – Use this to ask the County Court for more time in your home.
• County Court (Gov.uk) – Handles possession orders and eviction cases.

---

1. Housing Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988 set out main tenancy rules and eviction law in England.
2. Housing Act 1996, Part VII (Homelessness) outlines council duties for those facing homelessness.

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