Am I homeless?

Generally, homeless people are those who have nowhere to stay or will have nowhere to stay within the next 56 days. People also considered homeless might:

• have no accommodation in this country or anywhere in the world to occupy
• have the right to live in a property but cannot gain access
• live in movable accommodation, like a boat or a caravan, but with nowhere permanent to moor or park
• have accommodation but due to some exceptional circumstances it would unreasonable to continue to occupy this
• live separately from someone with whom they would normally reside, because there is nowhere they can live together
• have a home, but fear violence from someone.

Further evidence of an applicant’s specific circumstances or a visit to current accommodation may be required.

If you think you are homeless, contact the Housing Options Team for help.

There is legislation in place which directs who the Local Authority provides accommodation to - see Eligibility for housing assistance.

Page last reviewed: 04 May 2020