Facing eviction is a stressful and overwhelming experience, and many people find themselves asking whether the local council will rehouse them. In the UK, councils have a legal duty to assist certain individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness. However, the specific support you receive depends on several factors, including your circumstances and how the eviction came about. This article explains what you can expect from the council if you are evicted and how you can navigate the process.
Eviction can occur for a number of reasons, such as rent arrears, breach of tenancy agreement, or the landlord wanting to sell the property. Once an eviction notice is served, tenants have a limited time to either resolve the situation or leave the property. If you’re unable to avoid eviction, it’s crucial to understand what your options are for finding a new home.
After receiving an eviction notice, it’s important to contact your local council as soon as possible. Councils have a responsibility to provide advice and assistance to those at risk of homelessness, and early intervention can improve your chances of receiving rehousing support.
The local council will assess whether you qualify for help under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, which outlines the council’s duties to prevent homelessness. The council is likely to help if you are:
Legally Homeless: You will be considered homeless if you are unable to stay in your current home, even if the eviction process is still underway. Once you no longer have a legal right to remain in your property, you may be eligible for support.
Eligible for Assistance: This usually means you must be a UK citizen or have legal residency status, and you cannot be subject to immigration controls that disqualify you from public funds.
In Priority Need: Households with children, pregnant women, or those with vulnerabilities (due to age, illness, or disability) are typically classed as having priority need. If you do not fall into these categories, the council may still offer some assistance, but the support might be more limited.
Not Intentionally Homeless: This is a key factor in determining the level of assistance. If your eviction is deemed to be your fault (for example, if you have accrued rent arrears without a valid reason), the council may determine that you are intentionally homeless. In such cases, they are not obliged to provide long-term housing but may offer temporary accommodation while you seek a solution.
If the council determines that you meet the eligibility criteria, they will usually offer one of the following:
Temporary Accommodation: If you are homeless and have nowhere to stay, the council may place you in temporary accommodation, such as a hostel, bed and breakfast, or other short-term housing. This is often the first step while the council works to find a more permanent solution.
Permanent Social Housing: In some cases, especially if you are in priority need, the council may be able to offer you a permanent council home or housing association property. However, demand for social housing is high, and waiting lists can be long. You may need to consider other housing options in the meantime.
Private Rented Sector: The council might assist you in finding housing within the private rental market. They can offer financial assistance, such as a deposit guarantee or rent in advance, to help you secure a new private rental property. Councils are increasingly using private rented housing to address homelessness due to the shortage of social housing.
Prevention or Relief Duty: If you are at risk of eviction, the council may be able to intervene and prevent your homelessness by mediating with your landlord or helping you clear rent arrears through financial assistance or benefits advice.
Contact the Council Early: As soon as you receive an eviction notice, contact your local housing office. The sooner you get in touch, the more likely they can help prevent your homelessness.
Gather Documentation: The council will require proof of your eviction, such as your eviction notice, tenancy agreement, and any correspondence from your landlord. They may also ask for financial information to assess your eligibility.
Seek Legal Advice: If you believe the eviction is unfair, you can seek legal advice or contact charities such as Shelter or Citizens Advice, who may be able to help you challenge the eviction or negotiate with your landlord.
Explore All Housing Options: While the council may help, it’s wise to explore alternative housing solutions, such as looking for private rentals, staying with family or friends, or negotiating a new payment plan with your landlord to delay eviction.
While the council is your first point of contact if you’re facing homelessness, Fraser Bond can also provide essential support throughout the process. We offer expert advice on the private rental market and can help you find affordable housing options in London, even if your situation is urgent. Our experienced team understands the complexities of the housing market and can guide you toward securing a new home quickly.
Whether you need help navigating the council’s rehousing process or are looking for private rental solutions, Fraser Bond is here to support you through every step of the way.
