Letter template: homeless help because of housing costs

[Use the subject: Request for homeless help]

I need your help to find suitable housing in the council area.

I currently live at [address] with [names of anyone who lives with you. Include the ages of any children under 18].

My financial situation

My monthly income is £xxx.

My monthly rent or mortgage payment is £xxx.

I can provide more information on my income and spending.

My financial situation has changed because [add a short description of what's happened].

I believe I am legally homeless or at risk of homelessness because:

• I cannot afford to pay my housing costs as well as other basic living costs

• I cannot find a suitable affordable home due to high rents in the area

I need your help to: [include any that apply]

• make a homeless application

• find private rented housing with a monthly rent of less than £xxx

• negotiate with my landlord to stop a rent increase in my current home

• pay rent in advance for a new tenancy

• get extra priority on the housing waiting list/a direct offer of social housing

• find a suitable home by offering financial assistance

• get a discretionary housing payment to top up my local housing allowance (LHA) which is £xxx a month

Paragraph 6.28 of the Homelessness Code of Guidance says councils must:

• consider affordability of housing in all cases

• take account of the financial resources available to the homeless applicant, the costs of the accommodation and reasonable living expenses

I look forward to hearing from you.