Homelessness FAQs
What can the Council do for me if I am homeless?
If you are homeless you have the legal right to make a homeless
application. However, local authorities will look to see if
you are in priority need under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, as
amended by the Homeless Act 2002. In England, you are only in
priority need if:
- You or someone you live with is pregnant
- You are responsible for dependent children
- You are homeless as a result of flood, fire or other
disaster
- You are a ‘vulnerable’ person, for example, through
old age or medical difficulties
- You are aged 16 or 17, unless social services has a
responsibility for you
- You are aged 18 to 20 and were ‘looked after’ by social
services (even for one day) when you were 16 or 17
If none of these apply to you, you will be
considered as not being in priority need and the Council’s duty to
you will be limited to advice and assistance.
What options do I have if I am homeless and not in priority
need?
If you are not in priority need, the Council will still provide
you with advice and help about your options. Some of these may
include:
- Making sure you are on the Housing Register.
If you already have a Housing Register application, an options
officer can help you ensure your points are correct based on your
current housing situation in order to increase your chance of
getting a property through Choice Based Lettings.
- Helping you contact family or friends to see
if you could stay with them until your circumstances change.
- Contacting homeless hostels to see if you
could get direct access to any of them.
- Advising what benefits you may be entitled
to, including housing benefit.
- Providing advice on how to find and rent a
private property.
For further information, download a
‘What will the Council
do for me?' leaflet or request one by post.
Housing benefit does not cover all my rent and I cannot afford
the difference. What can I do so I am not evicted?
If you have rented a property that is too
expensive, you may wish to:
- Apply for a working tax credit if you are on
low income.
- Request a Discretionary Housing Payment from
the Council. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis, but there
is no guarantee that you will get it.
If you are in a fixed-term tenancy your
landlord cannot raise the rent unless this was included in your
tenancy agreement, or if you and the landlord agree to
increased rent levels. If neither has been done, speak to a member
of staff for advice.
Will the Council help me with a deposit to rent a property
privately?
Assessments are made on a case-by-case basis.
However, it is unlikely that the Council will be able to help you
with a deposit to privately rent a property unless you are in
priority need.
I have a joint tenancy/own a property with my partner. We
have had a non-violent relationship breakdown, and s/he wants
me to move out. Can they do that?
No. You have the same right to remain in that
property as your partner. You should seek legal advice if you would
like help with dealing with this situation.
Where else can I go for housing help/advice?
There are several places you could visit:
- Citizens' Advice Bureau -
for general and legal advice and help. Telephone: 08444
111 444.
- Shelter
- for advice and information about homelessness and bad housing.
Telephone: 0344 515 1944.
- Herts Young Homeless - for those aged
between 16 to 25 years of age and facing housing difficulties.
Telephone: 0844 833 0933.
- Jobcentre
- for general information and advice about benefits, loans and
grants and help with finding a job. Telephone: 0845 604 3719.
There are many other places you could visit.
For details, please download a
‘useful contacts' leaflet, or
request one by post.