Homelessness and the council
If you have status (refugee / HP / ILR / Ukraine Scheme / EUSS settled) and nowhere to live — go to any council in England. Under Housing Act 1996 Part 7, the council must accept your application, accommodate you the same day if you have priority need, and try to find long-term housing within 56 days. If they refuse, you have 21 days for a review.
📨 Ready letter to the council — in 2 minutes
Fill in the form → get an English email with the right statutes + interim accommodation request if you have priority need.
What's your situation?
Pick your situation — we'll guide you down the right path.
4 stages of council work
Housing Act 1996 Part 7 is structured as a step-by-step system — you have rights at each stage.
Rights and tools
If something goes wrong, you have formal routes.
Frequently asked questions
I've applied for asylum — can I get housing through the council?
No. Asylum seekers are NOT eligible for homeless help from the council (s.185 Housing Act 1996). Housing during asylum proceedings is via Migrant Help: Section 95 / 98. Once you have status (refugee leave / HP / ILR), yes — go to the council.
Where do I apply — at my place of residence?
In any council in England (s.183 Housing Act 1996). You are NOT obliged to apply where you live or where Home Office placed you. A council that says «we are not your council» is breaking the law.
What is priority need?
Categories the council MUST house the same day: families with children, pregnant women, vulnerable (by age/illness/disability), domestic abuse survivors (since 5 July 2021 — automatically), 16-17 year olds, care leavers up to 21, those fleeing other violence. See /en/homelessness/priority-need/.
How long does a council homelessness application take?
Interim accommodation (s.188) — the same day if priority need. Decision on prevention/relief duty — usually within 56 days. Decision on main duty (s.193) — after relief duty ends. If the council delays, file a formal complaint + LGSCO.
The council refused — what next?
You have 21 days to request a review under s.202 Housing Act 1996. Submit in writing (email) — even a short «I request a review of the decision dated [date]» stops the clock. After the review decision, another 21 days for County Court appeal (s.204). See /en/homelessness/reviews-and-appeals/.
Fleeing my partner — where do I go right now?
Refuge: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free, doesn't show on phone bill). They'll find a place at a shelter, including for NRPF. Since 5 July 2021, DA survivors are automatically priority need. Police (999, press 55 if you cannot speak). See /en/homelessness/domestic-abuse/.