You may be legally homeless even if you have somewhere to sleep tonight, for example if you are locked out, at risk of violence, or living in very poor conditions.
Quick facts
- Council must help
- If homeless within 8 weeks
- Help can include
- Advice, emergency housing, keeping your home
- Priority need
- Pregnant, children, 16 or 17, vulnerable
- Local connection
- Not needed for some groups
Are you legally homeless?
You may be legally homeless if:
- you’ve no legal right to live in accommodation anywhere in the world
- you cannot get into your home, for example your landlord has locked you out
- it’s not reasonable to stay in your home, for example you’re at risk of violence or abuse
- you’re living in very poor conditions such as overcrowding
What help you can get
There are different types of support your council could offer you. For example, they may offer you advice, emergency housing, support to find longer-term housing or help so you can stay in your home.
The type of help you can get depends on your eligibility for assistance, whether you are in priority need, and what caused you to become homeless.
Priority need
You may be in priority need if any of the following are true:
- you or someone you live with is pregnant
- ‘dependent children’ live with you (under 16s or under 19s if they’re studying full-time)
- you’re 16 or 17
- you’re under 21 and were in care between the ages of 16 and 18
- you’re homeless after a flood, fire or other disaster
You can also be assessed by the council as vulnerable, for example because of old age, disability or domestic abuse.
If you do not live in the area
You do not need to have a local connection if you are a current or former member of the UK armed forces, a care leaver who is under 25, or a survivor of domestic abuse.
Other help
You may also be entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help with your housing costs. You may be able to get free legal advice for housing problems including if you’re being evicted or you’ve been made homeless. See your rights as a renter.
Common questions
When does the council have to help me?
If you are legally homeless or will become homeless within the next 8 weeks.
Can I be homeless if I have somewhere to stay?
Yes, for example if it is not reasonable to stay because of violence or abuse, or the conditions are very poor.
What is priority need?
Groups the council must house, such as pregnant women, families with children, 16 and 17 year olds, and people assessed as vulnerable.
Do I need a local connection?
Not if you are in the armed forces or were, a care leaver under 25, or a survivor of domestic abuse.