Know your rights if the council will not help you find a home

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Know your rights if the council will not help you find a home

A man sits at a desk, writing. He is sat next to a woman who is smiling while on the phone. They are both in a building which is labelled 'Council'

Your council should help you if you don't have a place to live.

A photograph of someone hurting somebody, another photo shows a man pointing to a Notice letter from their landlord, and another photo shows a woman with no money in her purse

They should also help you if you cannot stay in your home because:

  • you are being abused or hurt there
  • you do not have enough money to live there
  • your landlord gave you a letter that said you must leave your home.
A man holding his hand out in front of him to say stop

But sometimes your council might say that they can't help you.

This is wrong.

It is called gatekeeping when your council will not help you.

A paper bank statement

Things the council might say to you if they won't help you find a home

The council might try to make you go away by saying things like:

  • you need to show them bank statements or information about your benefits
A doctor is writing a letter at a desk talking to a patient. In front of them is an open envelope with an NHS letter in it which says Sick note
  • you need to show them a letter from your GP
A man using a walking frame is standing outside his house
  • you have to keep living where you are
A bank statement, a P60 form and a Passport
  • you need to show them some ID right now

ID is proof of who you are like a passport.

A helpline advisor has a red cross through her picture. This is next to pictures of a magnifying glass over some houses and a house next to a handful of money
  • that you should not get help.
A man with his hand cupped around his mouth talking, with a speech bubble over his head

What to tell the council if they won't help you find a home

Tell the council that they MUST help you.

Say that you do not have to show them bank statements or the things they want right now.

A picture of an application form with entry fields for name, address, education and work.

Tell them that you want to make a 'homelessness application'.

This means you need help to find somewhere to live.

A group of people with a circle around them.

You can tell them that everyone is allowed to ask for help if they are homeless or can't stay in their home.

A woman sitting at a desk with a pen in her hand about to fill out a form

You might have to fill in some forms.

A man is talking to another man who is in a wheelchair

Where to find help

If you need support to ask the council for help, ask someone you trust like:

  • a support worker
  • a family member
  • a friend that you trust.
A laptop showing a cursor on the screen over to the word click

Find out how to contact your council on the government website.

A woman with a headset and a speech bubble which has an image of a signpost inside

If you would like more information about this Easy Read please contact the Learning Disability Helpline by:

Phone: 0808 808 1111
Email: [email protected]   

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This Easy Read was originally co-created with Shelter.

 

This Easy Read was first published in June 2025

Last updated 19/06/2025.

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