Housing suitability reviews
Housing offers from the council
The council must write to you when they offer housing.
The letter must tell you:
if it's a final offer of housing
what happens if you accept or refuse the offer
that you have a right to ask for a suitability review
If you have not had a letter like this, ask for one. The council can email or post it. They might ask you to come in to collect it.
Time to think about an offer
Councils often want a quick answer if they offer you housing.
They should give you:
some time to think about the offer
a chance to view the property before you sign an agreement
The council should show you photos and answer questions if a viewing is not practical.
Think about what is most important to your family.
For example, some people accept a home close to their work or children's schools, even it needs repairs.
The council might offer something you think is even less suitable if you ask for a review.
Disability and health needs
The council must look at any disability or health needs in your household.
This includes things like:
moving around the home
getting in and out the property
how close public transport links are
if someone cannot share a bedroom because of a disability
Ask your doctor or another professional for help. They could write a letter that says why the property is not suitable.
Accept the offer even if you want a review
The council could stop helping if you refuse a place or do not stay there.
This applies to both temporary accommodation and final offers of longer term housing.
You could ask to delay moving until after the review.
You have 3 weeks to ask for a review
You can use our letter templates to do this.
Send a letter or email before the deadline even if you do not have a legal adviser yet.
You can send more information after this.
Last updated: 21 March 2024
