Legally homeless

Homelessness is not restricted to being on the streets, you should also be considered as homeless if:

• You are under threat of violence from anyone who lives or used to live with you. This includes partners and spouses, be they current or exes, relatives, or anyone with legal responsibility for your children.

• You have somewhere to live, but can't stay there because of violence (threatened or actual), abuse or harassment from someone living outside your home (neighbour, ex, acquaintance) OR overcrowding or other bad conditions.

• You have nowhere to live, either in the UK or abroad.

• You live in a boat/mobile home/caravan and you aren't allowed to put it anywhere.

• You have nowhere you can live together with all your family/partner/carer etc.

• You are a squatter.

• You are crashing on a mate's floor or sofa

• You are staying in temporary accomodation, such as a refuge

• You've been locked out of your home and aren't allowed back.

• If you are likely to become homeless within 28 days. For example: a court has ruled that you must leave rented accommodation, or the people you are currently living with have asked you to move out.

Where can I get help?

Your local council's housing department has responsibilities to people who ask for help because they are homeless or about to become homeless. For more information on these responsibilities and where to find further help see this Shelter.

PLEASE NOTE: This article only covers England and Wales because the laws differ in Scotland. For advice specific to homelessness in Scotland see Shelter Scotland.