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.
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.
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 January 2021
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
The criteria used by local authorities for establishing whether a homeless applicant has a priority need for help with housing.
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.
Offers and suitability
Different types of accommodation offers local authorities can make under a homelessness duty and factors that must be considered in 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.
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
Public authority duty to refer
Duty of public authorities to refer a homeless person to a local housing authority.
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.
False statements in homeless applications
Information about the criminal offences of making false statements or failure to notify an authority of a material change in circumstances.
Homelessness in Wales
The law relating to homelessness applications made to local authorities in Wales on or after 27 April 2015.