Emergency housing

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

If you need a place for tonight, there are a number of different options. But in many areas, there is not enough emergency housing available and it may be difficult to get a place.

An adviser may be able to help you, as many accommodation providers will accept referrals from them. Use our directory to find one. You can also use our emergency housing rights checker to check whether you are entitled to help from the council.

If you are aged 16 or 17, you are normally entitled to housing and support from social services. In most cases it will be social services that have to take responsibility for finding you somewhere to live, rather than the housing department of the council.

Hostels and nightshelters

Find out what hostels and nightshelters are like, and how to get a place in one.

Bed and breakfast hotels

You may be able to stay in a B&B while you sort out longer term accommodation.

Nightstop schemes

Some areas have Nightstop schemes, which can arrange emergency housing for the night for people aged 16 to 25.

Staying with friends

Staying with friends can be a good solution, particularly if you need a stopgap and a place to stay immediately. But it doesn't give you many rights.

How Shelter can help

Getting advice from Shelter could help you to keep your current home, ensure you get the help you are entitled to and/or help you find emergency accommodation.