Are you homeless or at risk of losing your home?

If you are at risk of losing your accommodation or are already homeless you should contact the Housing Advice Service of your local authority for free advice and assistance as soon as possible. The main thing to remember is to act early to give us as much time to help as we can.

How we can help you

We offer a range of services to help people of all ages and circumstances. Where possible we aim to make sure you remain in your current home by providing advice at an early stage about your available housing options. We can assist in negotiations with landlords and mortgage lenders even if you have a court order to leave your home.

If we are unable to prevent you losing your home, or you are already homeless, you may need to make a homeless application. We will have to decide if we have a duty to you under housing law and investigate why you are losing or have lost your accommodation. In some cases we may have a duty to provide emergency accommodation whilst we look into your situation. This is normally in Bed and Breakfast type hotels or hostels and you may have to pay towards the cost of this service.

Please remember that there is a huge demand for social housing which is in short supply. This means that council and housing association properties are not widely available and usually only go to those who are in the most need.

Additional independent advice

Independent housing advice can also be obtained free of charge from Shelter (opens in a new window)  or your local Citizens Advice Bureau (opens in a new window) .

• Documents required

  When you apply as homeless you may be asked many questions about your current and past circumstances and to provide documented evidence.

• Finding private rented accommodation

  Finding private sector accommodation is usually the most realistic housing option for many people offering many choices.

• Homeless applications

  If we are unable to prevent you becoming homeless you may need to make a homeless application.

• Housing Advice Services

  If you are having any kind of housing problem your first step should be to contact us as soon as possible.

• Housing options

  There are many situations where we can help you keep your home or find alternative accommodation.

• Mortgage Rescue Scheme

  The Government Mortgage Rescue scheme was introduced on 1st January 2009 and is targeted at preventing homelessness and will provide a safety net for up to 6,000 households nationally for 2 years.

• Rent Deposit Schemes

  Our Rent Deposit Schemes assist people who are homeless or facing homelessness in finding private rented accommodation.

• Temporary accommodation

  If we believe that you are eligible for help, homeless and in priority need, we have a duty to provide temporary accommodation until we make a decision on your homeless application.