If you are homeless

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you should get advice and help to find a solution to your housing problem as soon as possible.  

What we can do

We will try to stop you losing your home where you are eligible and threatened with homelessness within 56 days. Our primary aim is to help you stay in your own home or rent in the private sector.   

You can apply to any local authority, if you are eligible and:  

• Homeless, or  
• May become homeless within two months (56 days)  

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act you must cooperate with reasonable steps and efforts the council have agreed with you and is taking to prevent you from becoming homeless or finding alternative home. If we help you into a private rented home this may end our duty to house you. 

We can offer advice on your legal rights and may negotiate with your current landlord or the person you live with to prevent you becoming homeless. If staying in your current home is not an option, there are many things you can do to resolve your housing problems.   

Homelessness and your local council

If you are homeless today you should contact your local council for housing help as we are likely to refer you to them. 

You could have more housing options available and it may be in your interests to apply to a council where you have a connection – (e.g. live, work, have immediate family - usually a parent brother or sister) as it can more readily offer advice and information on a local basis and it will be far easier to visit an office closer to you if you have to attend appointments.

Council or housing association properties

These days, it is more likely that we will help you to find a private rented home or to buy a home. 

Housing in the area is in high demand, and very few housing association homes become available to let each year, so we are not able to offer them to everyone who has a housing problem. However, we can work with you to seek a solution.   

Housing options are your alternatives to social housing which may make it easier and quicker for you to move home and resolve your problem.  

Costs and locations of housing

A new home might be in the borough or further afield depending on your circumstances. Most people will need to think about moving into private rented property outside of the borough because of the shortage and price of housing locally.  

You will need to think carefully about your finances, Universal Credit and benefits as well as other things like the location of schools and work.   

Ask yourself:  

• Where can I afford to live?
• What size of home can I afford? 
• Can I afford both the rent and future bills to run my home?
• Will a house or flat share be the best option for me?

Living in London is expensive. To find out where you could afford to live use the London rents map or house price calculator.