Your location: Help from the council
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland
You can ask your local council's housing department for help if you have nowhere to stay or are likely to lose your home in the next 28 days. The council is legally required to give you advice and help you to find a place to live. Depending on your situation, they may have to provide accommodation for you.
Getting help in this way is not the same as going on the council's waiting list for a permanent home.
The pages below provide more information about the rules. You can also use our free online assessment to find out how the councils should help you. If you have problems dealing with the council, contact an adviser in your area - use our Advice Services Directory to find one.
Applying as homeless
Check how to make a homelessness application and what you can do if the council refuses to accept it. Read more 
What the council will check
This section gives an overview of the enquiries the council will have to make if you apply as homeless. Read more
The council's decision
There are special rules that the council has to follow once it has made a decision about your homelessness application. Read more
If the council won't help
You may have other options if you are homeless and the council has told you that it can't help. Read more
Challenging the decision
It may be possible to get the council's decision on your homelessness application changed. Read more
Housing from the council
Find out about the type of accommodation the council could provide if you apply as homeless, and what you can do if it isn't suitable for you. Read more
Storage for personal belongings
The council may have to protect your personal belongings and furniture if it houses you because you are homeless. Read more
Overview of council duties
If you are homeless, the council housing department might have to help you. What help you are entitled to depends on your circumstances. The council will look into your housing situation to decide what help it has to give you. Read more
Referral to social services
You may be sent to social services if the housing department can't help. Social services can offer a range of services, which might include housing. Read more
