Storage for personal belongings

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

If you are homeless and apply to the council for assistance, the council may have a duty to accommodate you in certain circumstances. This section explains the duties that the council has to protect your personal belongings and furniture if you apply to it for help because you are homeless.

Why can't I take my things with me?

You may not be able to keep your furniture and belongings with you at the accommodation the council provides once you leave your former home. This is because the accommodation the council provides might already be furnished or too small to store all your belongings. The council therefore has duties to protect the personal property of homeless applicants in certain circumstances. If you have any problems in getting the council to protect your property, use our directory to find agencies in your area that can help you.

What counts as property?

Property includes personal belongings and furniture. It does not include equipment used for business purposes.

When does property have to be protected?

The council has a duty to protect your property when it is

• at risk of damage or loss and
• you are not able to protect or deal with it yourself, for example because you can't afford to arrange removals or storage

This duty applies from the point you make an application as homeless and the council believes you may be eligible for help. It applies to your property and the property of anyone else included in your application.

What does the duty involve?

The council has to do what is reasonable to prevent loss or damage to your property. The council can:

• arrange removals
• arrange storage
• gain entry to a property to recover your belongings

The council can make charges for the protection of your property, and most councils do this. Charges may be waived by some councils for people on low incomes or benefit. It is likely to be cheaper and more practical for you to arrange removals and storage yourself if you are able to.

If the council loses touch with you, or the duty to protect your property ends, the council may be able to dispose of your property. It has to follow specific procedures in order to do this. If it does not do so you may be able to take court action to get compensation. Get advice if this happens to you.

When does the duty end?

The council no longer has a responsibility to protect your property when:

• it considers there is no longer a danger of damage or loss to your property
• it finds you don't meet the criteria for help with accommodation
• it has fulfilled all its responsibilities towards you

Even if the council has no further obligation to provide accommodation for you, it can choose to continue to protect your property. The council has to inform you in writing if it decides it has no further duty to protect your property.

What about pets?

If you are homeless and have a pet, the council should consider arranging accommodation for you with your pet, especially if you rely on your pet for companionship. Older people or people who have slept on the streets, for example, may rely on their pets for companionship. If it is not possible to arrange accommodation for you with your pets, the council should consider arranging alternative care for your pets. However, councils can be reluctant to pay for alternative care for pets, and it is advisable to see if friends or family can look after them.