Skip to main content
Shelter Logo
England

Intentional homelessness

The definition of intentional homelessness, as contained in sections 191 and 196 of the Housing Act 1996.

This content applies to England

Last updated: 15 March 2021

  • Intentional homelessness definition

    The legal definition of intentional homelessness, for people applying to their local authority as homeless.

  • Deliberate act or omission

    How a local authority decides if a person is intentionally homeless due to a deliberate act or omission, including whether an act is in good faith.

  • Acquiescence

    When an applicant may be found intentionally homeless because of the deliberate act or omission of another person .

  • Causation

    The causal link between a deliberate act or omission and the loss of accommodation which must exist for a decision of intentional homelesness.

  • Reasonable to continue to occupy

    When a person will not be intentionally homeless because accommodation was not reasonable for them to continue to occupy. 

  • Welfare of children

    How local authorities should deal with families with children under 18 who have been found intentionally homeless.

  • Inquiries into intentional homelessness

    How a local authority should carry out inquiries to establish if an applicant is intentionally homeless.