If we accept that you are unintentionally homeless and in priority need there are several ways we may be able to help you find a home. In doing so we will be guided by the personal circumstances of you and other members of your household to determine the best options.
If you are accepted as homeless and spend time in temporary accommodation, you will not automatically be nominated to a Registered Social Landlord (housing association).
Finding a permanent privately rented home
Many local estate agents and lettings agencies have houses and flats to rent. We might be able to provide advice and assistance to help you get the tenancy.
Should a suitable property be found, you may qualify for help towards your rent through Housing Benefit.
Privately rented accommodation - our duty to you
If we help you find a place to rent privately, and we have already accepted you as homeless, we still have a duty to ensure that accommodation is available for your occupation.
Our duty to you only ends if you accept an Assured Tenancy or an Assured Shorthold Tenancy which is classed as a ‘qualifying offer’ and you sign to confirm that you understand that our duty towards you ends.
We will explain if this applies to you. You are under no obligation to accept the tenancy.
Joining the Housing Register when in private rented accommodation
If you decide to take the tenancy of a privately rented property you can still make an application to join the Council's Housing Register. Please follow the link below to How the Housing Register Works.
Once you have made an application to join the Register, the Housing Needs and Advice Team will assess your application and let you know whether you are eligible and, if so, where you are on the waiting list.
Permanent re-housing through the Housing Register
All applicants who are accepted as homeless have a right to join the Housing Register. Applications are assessed in accordance with the Council’s Housing Register and Nominations Policy. For more information on How the Housing Register Works please see the link below.
The length of time you have to wait for a nomination to a housing association will depend on your needs, how frequently properties become available, where these vacancies are, and how many applicants are ahead of you on the Housing Register.
Providing false information
If you have been re-housed by us, and afterwards it is discovered that you received housing because you gave us false information, you risk having your accommodation taken from you.
Similarly, if you have not yet been re-housed, but you have been accepted onto the Housing & Transfer Register after giving us false information, you risk being removed from the Housing & Transfer Register.
Date Updated: 12/05/08