I Am Homeless - What Can I Do in London?

If you are homeless in London, you may be able to get help from your local council with emergency accommodation, temporary housing, homelessness prevention, private renting and longer-term housing. Understanding what to do next can help you secure somewhere safe to stay and avoid remaining on the streets.

Contact Your Local Council Immediately

If you are already homeless or believe you are about to lose your home, contact the housing or homelessness team at the London borough where you are currently staying or have a connection.

In England, councils have legal duties to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This can include advice, help finding accommodation and, in appropriate circumstances, emergency or temporary accommodation.

Do not wait until you have been sleeping rough for several nights before asking for help. If you have received an eviction notice, been asked to leave by family or friends, or your accommodation is no longer available, explain your situation to the council as soon as possible.

You May Be Offered Temporary Accommodation

If the council believes you may be eligible for assistance and have a priority need, it may provide temporary accommodation while your homelessness application is assessed.

Temporary accommodation in London can include hotels, hostels, leased properties and other forms of accommodation arranged by councils. London has significant pressure on temporary housing, so accommodation may not always be in the borough where you originally applied.

Families with children and people facing particular vulnerabilities may receive additional consideration when the council assesses their housing situation.

What If You Are About to Be Evicted?

If you are still living in your property but have been told to leave, do not assume you have to leave immediately.

The type of notice you have received, the reason for possession and whether the landlord has followed the correct legal process can affect your position.

If you are struggling with rent, receiving an eviction notice or facing possession proceedings, seek housing advice quickly. Leaving voluntarily without understanding your rights can sometimes make your housing situation more difficult.

A professional property or housing adviser can also help you understand the practical options available while you deal with the council or landlord.

What If You Are Already Sleeping Rough?

If you are sleeping on the streets, tell the council clearly that you are homeless and sleeping rough.

London also has outreach services designed to identify people sleeping rough and connect them with accommodation and support. The capital operates specialist pathways for people who need help moving away from rough sleeping and into suitable accommodation.

If you are in immediate danger, need urgent medical attention or cannot keep yourself safe, contact the appropriate emergency service.

Prepare Information About Your Situation

When approaching the council, be ready to explain:

• Where you are currently staying

• When you became homeless or expect to become homeless

• Why you lost or are losing your accommodation

• Whether you have children living with you

• Whether you have any disabilities or support needs

• Your income and employment situation

• Any eviction notices or other housing documents

• Whether you have somewhere safe to stay tonight

Keep copies of important documents where possible. Having clear information can make it easier for the housing team to assess your circumstances.

Look at Private Renting as Another Route

Council housing is under substantial pressure across London, and waiting for social housing may take considerable time.

Depending on your circumstances and finances, renting privately may provide a faster route into permanent accommodation. Options can include rooms, house shares, flats and smaller properties in areas outside the most expensive parts of central London.

If affordability is the main obstacle, consider a wider search across neighbouring London boroughs and commuter areas rather than focusing on one location.

Consider Supported Housing

Some people need more than an ordinary tenancy. Supported accommodation can be suitable for people who require additional assistance with independent living.

London has programmes providing accommodation and support for groups including young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and people leaving rough sleeping pathways.

The appropriate option depends on your age, circumstances, support requirements and eligibility.

What If You Have No Money for a Deposit?

A deposit and upfront rent can make private renting difficult when you are already homeless.

Ask your council or housing adviser whether you may qualify for assistance with securing private accommodation. Some councils operate schemes or financial assistance designed to help eligible households access private rented housing.

You should also consider whether a landlord or letting agent offers properties with lower upfront costs or whether a room in a shared property would be more affordable initially.

Fraser Bond Can Help With the Property Side

For landlords, property owners and tenants looking at private accommodation, Fraser Bond provides property consultancy and operational support across London and the wider UK.

Our experience covers property lettings, property management, residential property, building works, refurbishment and practical property coordination. For someone trying to move from temporary accommodation or an unstable housing situation into a suitable private rental, understanding the available property options, costs and condition of a property can be important.

Take Action Instead of Waiting

If you are asking, "I am homeless - what can I do in London?", the most important step is to act quickly.

Contact your local council, explain your circumstances clearly, ask about emergency or temporary accommodation where appropriate, and seek professional housing advice if you are facing eviction or struggling to secure a private rental.

London's housing market is challenging, but being homeless does not mean you have no options. The sooner you establish what assistance you may qualify for, the sooner you can start working towards safe and stable accommodation.