Homelessness

The first thing you should do if you find yourself homless, is make an appointment to see a Housing Advisor. They will be able to advise you on your housing options and legal rights if you have any.

If you are not yet homeless they may try to prevent your homelessness if possible. They will also assess your circumstances and you will have the option to make a homeless application although the Council will only have a duty to provide emergency accommodation in certain circumstances.

Please refer to the leaflets listed at the bottom of this page for more information.

How long will it take to house a homeless person?

If you are accepted as being homeless unintentionally and have a priority need for accommodation, the length of time you wait will depend upon the areas you have said you want to live in, the number of properties becoming vacant in those areas and the number of people who may have been accepted before you but not yet housed. The average wait is 4-6 months but this can vary tremendously.

I am living in tied accommodation and I have just retired. My employer has told me to leave, what do I do?

You should not leave your tied accommodation until you have seen a Housing Advisor.

In order to repossess the property your landlord should serve you with a legal Notice and the Housing Advisor will be able to check this for you.

My Mum and Dad have thrown me out, what do I do?

Your housing options depend on your circumstances.

The first thing you should do is speak to a Housing Advisor who will get your details from you and establish what advice you need and what realistic housing options are available to you.

I have rent arrears, what do I do?

You should contact a Housing Advisor who will inform you of your legal status and advise you on the best course of action.

You may also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau who will also be able to advise you, and they will help you to complete a financial statement. They may also represent you in a court hearing, or may be able to write a letter to your landlord on your behalf. They may have a debt counselling service that you could use.

My landlord is harassing me to leave the property - what should I do?

It is illegal for your landlord to harass you to leave the property.

In order to repossess the property your landlord should follow a legal procedure, which will involve serving you with a lawful Notice. You should check your rights to stay in your home with a Housing Advisor.

I’ve been served an eviction notice, what do I do?

You should make an appointment to see a Housing Advisor.

It will help if you can bring along the eviction notice and a copy of your tenancy agreement with you. The Housing Advisor will inform you of your options and your legal rights. 

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