Homelessness applications
The criteria considered in homelessness applications (eligibility, homelessness, priority need, intentionality and local connection), the duties of local authorities, and how to challenge decisions.
Where to get advice about homelessness
Where to go for help to access services for rough sleepers, apply as homeless to a local authority, or challenge a decision about homelessness duties.
Homeless application process
People who can make a homeless application to a local authority, what duties are owed and challenging decisions.
Homelessness and threatened homelessness
The legal definition of homelessness and threatened homelessness used by local authorities in homelessness applications.
Homeless rights checker
Find out what homeless rights someone has based on their immigration or residence status, including help under the Housing Act 1996, the Children Act and the Care Act.
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 homelessness assistance before Brexit
Eligibility rules for homelessness assistance of European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union (EU) nationals before 1 January 2021. These rules continue to apply to people with pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme and EU temporary protection.
Priority need
How local authorities establish if a person has a priority need for accommodation when making a homeless application.
Intentional homelessness
The definition of intentional homelessness, as contained in sections 191 and 196 of the Housing Act 1996
Local connection and referrals
Information about the situations in which a homelessness applicant can be referred to another local authority.
Local authority homelessness duties
Duties that a local authority may owe a homeless person, including to prevent or relieve homelessness, and to provide interim, temporary or long term accommodation.
Personalised housing plans
Duty to assess an applicant's needs and draw up a personalised housing plan.
Suitability of accommodation
Factors that must be considered when deciding whether accommodation is suitable.
Local authority ends duties
How a local authority can end its duties to a homeless applicant.
Reviews and appeals
Challenges to local authority homelessness decisions through internal reviews, county court appeals and judicial review.
Duty to refer
Some public authorities have a duty to refer someone they work with to a local authority if they are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Homeless applicants who lack mental capacity
A homeless application must not be taken by a local authority if it is made by a person who lacks mental capacity
Applications to local authority contractors and social services
Applications for homelessness assistance to local authority contractors and applications to social services.
Multiple, repeat and withdrawn homeless applications
When a person can make a repeat homeless application or apply to more than one local authority and when an application can be treated as withdrawn.
Homelessness in Wales
The law relating to homelessness applications made to local authorities in Wales on or after 27 April 2015.
Homelessness case law summaries
Homelessness case law summaries give an overview of important court decisions in local authority housing decisions and duties.