Rental arrears crisis
Question
I was living in council accommodation and evicted because I hadn't paid the rent. I'm now homeless, what can I do?
Answer
If you've been evicted by the council and you're homeless there are a number of different housing options available. Whether these options are open to you will depend on your particular circumstances.
One option is to make a homeless application to the council. You still have a right to do this even if you have rent arrears with the council. They will have a duty to give you advice and assistance in finding your own accommodation.
The council might also have a duty to find you somewhere to live, but this will depend on your situation. The council only have to house homeless people if they have a priority need. People with a priority need include those with children, those who have a mental or physical illness and care leavers up to the age of 21.
It's worth knowing that the council will also check whether you've made yourself intentionally homeless. They might decide that you're intentionally homeless if they believe the rent arrears were your fault. If you have a priority need but are intentionally homeless the council only have to house you for a short period.
If the council decide not to help you they must give you their reasons in writing. You have 21 days to request a review if you don't agree with them. If this happens you should seek further help from a local advice agency.
Another option is to put your name down on the council waiting list. This isn't the same as making a homeless application. Because councils don't work on a 'first come, first served' basis, you could be waiting a while for a place but many councils will give you extra points the longer you're on the list. You should also get extra points or preference if you've made a homeless application.
You can also put your name down on any housing association waiting lists in your area. Sometimes they run a joint list with the council, but some do have their own lists.
Alternatively, you could apply to live in a hostel. Some hostels do accept a direct application but others will want a referral from a local agency. You should bear in mind that it can be very difficult to get space in a hostel
Another option is foyers for young people - usually up to the age of 25. Foyers often have a waiting list and, like hostels, some will let you apply to them directly while others will want the council or other advice centre to arrange the place for you. Foyers like you to continue with training or education while you are there.
Finally, you could look for somewhere to rent privately. This can be quite expensive, but if you're on a low income you may be entitled to claim housing benefit to help towards the cost. If you don't have any money for a deposit, there may be a scheme in your area that can help you. There are also other types of financial assistance that you might be entitled to.
If you'd like further information and advice about benefit issues you can see an advisor at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). You could also try contacting your local Connexions office as they advise on a range of issues for young people up to age 19. You could call their helpline on 0808 0013219. If you're over 19 you can find help in your area by searching the Shelter advice services directory.
If you have nowhere to stay tonight and need help urgently you can phone Shelter's free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444. Shelter can't provide accommodation, but their advisors can help look at your options and check hostel vacancies for you.
Updated: 15/04/2010
Question answered by Shelter
