Will the Council Rehouse Me if I Get Evicted?
Facing eviction can be a stressful and uncertain time. If you’re worried about where you’ll live after losing your home, the council may be able to help. However, whether you’ll be rehoused depends on several factors, including your eligibility, circumstances, and the reason for your eviction.
This guide explains what you can expect from the council and the steps to take to secure support.
1. Understanding Council Responsibilities
Under the UK’s housing law, local councils have a legal duty to assist people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. If you’ve been evicted or are facing eviction, you may qualify for assistance.
The council’s level of help will depend on:
- Whether you’re legally homeless or about to be homeless.
- Your eligibility based on immigration status.
- Whether you’re considered in priority need.
- Whether the council believes you’re intentionally homeless (e.g., evicted due to rent arrears or anti-social behavior).
2. What Does Priority Need Mean?
To qualify for rehousing, the council must decide that you are in priority need. You may fall into this category if:
- You have dependent children or are pregnant.
- You are vulnerable due to age, disability, or serious health conditions.
- You are at risk of harm or exploitation (e.g., fleeing domestic abuse).
- You are homeless due to fire, flood, or other emergencies.
3. What Happens If You’re Eligible?
If the council determines you are eligible, they will take the following steps:
- Prevent Homelessness: The council may work with your landlord to stop or delay the eviction.
- Provide Temporary Accommodation: If you are in priority need, the council must provide a safe place to stay while they assess your case.
- Rehouse You: If the council finds that you are unintentionally homeless and in priority need, they will offer long-term housing, which could include:
- A council or housing association home.
- A private rental secured by the council.
4. What If You’re Not in Priority Need?
If the council decides you’re not in priority need, they won’t be obliged to rehouse you. However, they must still provide advice and assistance, such as:
- Helping you access private rentals.
- Referring you to charities or organizations that support people facing homelessness.
- Offering advice on benefits or emergency financial aid.
5. Steps to Take If You’re Facing Eviction
- Contact Your Council Early: Reach out as soon as you receive an eviction notice. Waiting until the eviction date may limit your options.
- Seek Legal Advice: Organizations like Shelter or Citizens Advice can help you understand your rights and challenge unfair eviction.
- Gather Documentation: Provide the council with proof of your eviction notice, income, family situation, and any health or vulnerability factors.
- Explore Other Options: If the council cannot rehouse you, look into private rentals or charity support for temporary housing.
6. What If the Council Refuses to Help?
If the council decides not to help you, you have the right to:
- Request a Review: Ask the council to reconsider their decision.
- Seek Support from Charities: Organizations like Shelter and Crisis can provide housing advice, legal support, or emergency accommodation.
- Take Legal Action: If you believe the council’s decision is unfair, you can challenge it in court.
7. How Charities and Organizations Can Help
If the council can’t assist you immediately, consider reaching out to:
- Shelter: Offers free housing advice and support (0808 800 4444).
- Crisis: Provides help with finding accommodation and accessing benefits.
- Citizens Advice: Offers legal advice and resources for tenants facing eviction.
Conclusion
If you’re at risk of eviction, the council may be able to help, but their responsibilities depend on your circumstances. Acting quickly and seeking professional advice will improve your chances of securing support.
Contact your local council, Shelter, or Citizens Advice for assistance today.
