Homelessness

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 don't have to be living on the street to be homeless. You may be legally classed as homeless if you are sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying in a hostel, or suffering from overcrowding or other bad conditions.

Homelessness can often be avoided if you act quickly and get the right help. If you have nowhere to stay, call Shelter's helpline or use our directory to find a local advice centre where you can talk to someone in person. Alternatively, you can download a copy of our handy advice booklet, Homeless? Read this, which gives an introduction to your legal rights and the options you might have.

Emergency housing

Need a place for tonight? Find out about different types of emergency housing and how to access them. Read more 

Emergency advice

Find out where you can go for help and advice if you are homeless or need housing in an emergency. Read more 

What is homelessness?

Homelessness means not having a home. Even if you have a roof over your head you can still be homeless. Read more 

Homeless people's rights

Get an overview of the rights you may have if you're homeless. Read more 

Avoiding homelessness

You may be able to avoid becoming homeless, even if the situation appears hopeless. Read more 

Help from the council

You may be entitled to help from the housing department of the council if you are homeless or about to lose your home. There are special legal rules about when and how the council must help. Read more 

Help from social services

Social services can provide a range of services, including housing, support and financial help. Whether social services has to help you will depend on your circumstances. Read more 

Sleeping on the streets

Practical advice and information about services for people who are sleeping on the streets. Read more 

Squatting

Squatting is best avoided if you have other options. It isn't strictly speaking illegal but you can be evicted very easily and it doesn't give you any security. You can also be arrested in some circumstances. Read more 

EU and EEA nationals

An introduction to the rights you have if you came to the UK from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). Read more 

Gypsies and Travellers

Information about the rights that homeless Gypsies and Travellers may have to get help from the council. Read more 

Asylum seekers and refugees

This section has information about the housing support you may be entitled to if you are an asylum seeker, a refugee, or are appealing against an unsuccessful asylum claim. Read more