Homelessness applications
The criteria considered in homelessness applications (ie eligibility, homelessness, priority need, intentionality and local connection), the duties of local authorities, and how to challenge decisions.
Homelessness law and guidance
An overview of the law relating to homelessness under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, including changes brought about by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Homelessness and threatened homelessness
The legal definition of homelessness and threatened homelessness, and local authority duties that may arise towards someone who is legally homeless
Duty to provide information and advice on homelessness
Local authorities have a duty to provide homelessness and prevention advice and information
Applying as homeless
The process of applying as homeless, including making an application to more than one authority, and making a repeat application.
Local authority homelessness inquiries
Local authorities have a duty to carry out inquiries in response to a homelessness application
Eligibility for homeless assistance
Eligibility for homelessness assistance depends on immigration and residence status. There are different rules for British and Irish nationals, and for people from abroad
EEA nationals eligibility for assistance before January 2021
Eligibility to homelessness assistance for European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union (EU) nationals and their family members pre-Brexit.
Homelessness applicants with priority need
The criteria used by local authorities for establishing whether a homeless applicant has a priority need for help with housing.
Intentional homelessness inquiries and decisions
The definition of intentional homelessness, as contained in sections 191 and 196 of the Housing Act 1996
Local connection decisions in homelessness applications
The criteria for establishing whether a person has a local connection with a local authority.
Local authority homelessness duties
The duties owed by local authorities to people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, including the duty to devise a personalised housing plan, to prevent or relieve homelessness, and to provide accommodation in some circumstances. Also the duty to protect property and to cooperate with other agencies.
Personalised housing plans
Duty to assess an applicant's needs and draw up a personalised housing plan.
Suitability of accommodation offered to homelessness applicants
The factors that must be considered in deciding whether an offer of accommodation is suitable. Different types of offer.
Local authority ends duties
How a local authority can end its duties to a homeless applicant.
Referral to another local authority
Information about the situations in which a homelessness applicant can be referred to another local authority.
Applicants challenges to homelessness decisions
Challenges to local authority homelessness decisions through internal reviews, county court appeals and judicial review.
Homelessness strategies
A local authority's duties to carry out a homelessness review and publish a homelessness strategy.
Homelessness in Wales
The law relating to homelessness applications made to local authorities in Wales on or after 27 April 2015.
