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Housing

At risk of losing your home in England? How to ask your council for help

You do not have to wait until you are sleeping rough to ask for housing help. If you are homeless or could lose your home within eight weeks, contact your council. The support available depends on your circumstances and eligibility; this guide helps you prepare for that conversation.

Reviewed 27/10/2026 · Applies to: England

Who this helps

People in England who are homeless or at risk of losing their home, and people supporting them.

What to do

  1. Use the official council finder below to locate the housing team. Explain whether you are already homeless or when you expect to lose your home, and ask for homelessness assistance.
  2. Gather relevant evidence, such as a landlord notice, court paperwork or a letter saying when you must leave. Explain your circumstances even if you are still gathering documents.
  3. Tell the housing team who lives with you and about pregnancy, dependent children, disability, health needs or safety concerns that affect your housing needs.
  4. If you have nowhere safe to stay, explain that immediately and ask the council to assess whether it must provide emergency accommodation. This is subject to legal conditions.
  5. At your assessment, discuss affordability, location and household needs. Ask for your personal housing plan and clarify the actions expected from you and the council.
  6. Keep copies of correspondence. If help is refused or you disagree with a decision, ask for the decision in writing and seek prompt advice from Shelter or a housing adviser about review options.

Before you act

  • This guide covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different homelessness systems.
  • An application does not guarantee a council home. Immigration eligibility and other legal tests affect the help owed; ask for advice if your position is unclear.
  • The houses in the photograph are illustrative and are not advertised as available council or emergency accommodation.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

Find your council and request housing help ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.