You're legally homeless if you're at risk of domestic abuse or violence in your home. Contact the council at any time.

If you get an eviction notice, contact your council straight away. They can check your notice and give you the right support.

Find out more about council help after a section 21 eviction notice.

Get as much evidence as you can

The council should not send you away if you do not have evidence when you first ask them for help.

But it helps to have as much information as you can.

This can include:

• an eviction notice or other documents showing why you have to leave

• proof of your identity and immigration status such as a passport or ID card

• evidence of your income such as bank statements, wage slips or proof of benefits

• a letter from your doctor or hospital about any medical conditions

• a letter from a doctor or midwife saying you're pregnant

• birth certificates if you have children

Contact the council

The council might tell you to apply as homeless by:

• phone call

• online form

• email to the homelessness team

• coming to the council offices in person

Get information you can understand

The council should make it easy to ask for help and understand any support they give.

For example, they should:

• get you an interpreter if you need one

• give you information in a language or format you understand

• agree to talk on the phone if you cannot get to their offices

• let you come to their offices if you cannot use the internet or a phone

Tell the council if you cannot pay for a service like translation.

It could be discrimination if you ask for help with these things but they refuse.