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What if the council won't help me?

If the council decides that you're not 'in priority need' or 'eligible for assistance' it doesn't have to provide you with somewhere to live. However, it should still be able to advise you on your options. You should also contact Shelter(link opens in new window), the housing charity, as soon as you can. It can give you advice about how to find somewhere to live, or what to do if the council says it won't help you.

What if I disagree with the council's decision not to help me?

If the council says it will not help you find somewhere to live, you don't have to just accept it - there are steps you can take to make the council look again at your case.

What if the council says another council must help me?

If the council says another council should help you, you can challenge this if you have a good reason for needing to stay in the first council's area.

What if the council offers me somewhere that doesn't suit my needs?

If the council offers you unsuitable accommodation, you may be able to ask it to find you something else, if you have a good reason. Here's how.