Intentionally homeless?

The council looks into the reasons why you lost your last 'settled home'.

When deciding if you are or aren't intentionally homeless, the council must consider the reasons you became homeless and whether;

• You did, or failed to do, something that caused you to leave your home
• The act, or failure to act, was deliberate or you were aware of what was going on
• It was reasonable for you to continue living in your accommodation

You have the right to explain your actions to the council in relation to your housing situation.

Some examples of making yourself intentionally homeless include:

• You decided to leave a property when you didn't have to.
• You could have afforded to pay the rent or mortgage and didn't pay it. We will investigate your financial circumstances.
• You didn't claim housing benefit or renew your claim; you failed to give the benefit section the information about your circumstances that it needed to processed your claim.
• You were evicted for anti-social behaviour.
• You have made yourself homeless to try to get housed more quickly.

If the council decides you are intentionally homeless

If the council decides that you intentionally caused your homelessness, you will be given this decision in writing.

The Council would only have a duty, if you are in priority need, to provide temporary accommodation for a limited, short term period so that you could make arrangements to find somewhere else to live. After assessing your needs, we would give you appropriate advice and assistance to do this.

If you have children, we will also discuss with you the possibility of referring your case to social services.

Further information available on the shelter website.