This content applies to England only.

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

The council has a legal responsibility to provide temporary accommodation for certain groups of people.

You may be entitled to help if:

• you are homeless or likely to become homeless within 28 days
  
• you can only stay where you are temporarily
  
• it is not reasonable for you to stay in your home (for example, because of violence, overcrowding, poor conditions or serious financial problems).

The rules on what sort of help the council has to give you are complicated. Your rights will depends on your personal circumstances. The council will assess your application to decide whether you meet all of the criteria, which are that you:

• are homeless or threatened with homelessness
• are eligible for assistance
• are in priority need
• are not intentionally homeless, and
• have a local connection.

Each of these terms has a special legal meaning. Use our emergency housing rights checker to find out how the council should help you.

At the very least, the council has to look into your situation and give you advice to help you find a home. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to accommodation.

Some people can get help from social services, even if the housing department won't help, so don't be put off.

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