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What is Homelessness?

You don't have to be sleeping on the streets to be considered homeless. Most people who are legally homeless are not on the streets

The council will make a decision about whether you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days. If we decide that you are not homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days, we will give you advice to help you keep your home.

What is Homelessness?

You don't have to be sleeping on the streets to be considered homeless.Most people who are legally homeless are not on the streets. There are many situations where the council must accept you are homeless, and may have a legal duty to help you with housing. For example

  • You cannot legally occupy anywhere in the United Kingdom or elsewhere
  • It is not reasonable for you to stay in your home if you are at risk from violence, abuse, harassment or of serious threats of violence. This can be from a partner, ex-partner or family member, or someone in your area.
  • It is not reasonable for you to stay in your home because of very poor state of repair
  • You have accommodation but cannot get into it. For instance you've been locked out or illegally evicted.
  • You're at risk of losing your home because you have received a notice from a landlord.
  • You normally live in a mobile structure such as a caravan or boat, and you have nowhere to park or moor it.
Last modified on 15 September 2024

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