Worried about becoming homeless
If you're worried about becoming homeless, you need to tell us as soon as possible. Do not wait until you're homeless.
Our priority is to help you to stay in your current home if it's safe to do so.
If you’ve been asked to leave
By your landlord
If you rent from a private landlord, you have rights.
A Section 21 notice is a letter from a landlord to a tenant, asking the tenant to leave the place they're renting. It must give at least two months' notice.
Citizens Advice has advice on what to do if you get a Section 21 notice.
Shelter has advice on what makes a Section 21 notice invalid
If your landlord has not given you a valid Section 21 notice, you can contact Citizens Advice.
If you have an excluded tenancy or licence, for example you live with your landlord, they only need to give you reasonable notice. The notice does not have to be in writing.
By family or friends
If you live with friends and family and are being asked to leave, you should contact us as soon as possible.
We’ll arrange for an advisor to work with you and your family or friends to find a solution.
In most cases disagreements can be sorted by talking them through. If not, then we may get agreement that you have more time in the property to prepare for a planned move.
If your relationship breaks down
You may still have a right to stay there if you have a joint tenancy or own the property with your ex-partner.
If you're married to the tenant, you may have marital rights to remain in the home.
You should get independent legal advice if this is something you’re experiencing. Find a legal aid solicitor on Law Society
Shelter and Citizens Advice have the guidance on:
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse
If you’re in immediate danger call the police on 999. For non-emergency police enquiries call 101.
You’re considered homeless if you’re at risk of domestic abuse in your home.
Contact us if you’re fleeing abuse and need emergency housing. Apply for homeless help.
We’ll not contact your abuser.
We’ll give you options based on your situation and preferences. For example, we may:
- provide emergency accommodation
- help you find a refuge to stay at
- get you access to legal help to enable you to stay in your home
If you’re struggling to keep your current home
Check if you're entitled to benefits and how much you might get.
- Use a benefit calculator to check if you’re receiving all the benefit you’re entitled to
- The GOV.UK website has information about benefits and how to claim them
- Citizen's Advice has information about benefits, tax credits, council tax and housing costs
You can get help with your finances and budgeting.
- The Step Change Debt Charity can offer you debt advice
- Money Helper offers advice if you’re facing money troubles
- Citizens Advice helps you make a household budget
Contact your mortgage lenders for advice as soon as you realise payments may be difficult. You may be able to get a repayment plan for missed payments.
You may be able to get help with essential costs such as energy and water bill and food. This is sometimes known as the Household Support Fund.
If you’re leaving prison
You need to tell your Probation Officer at least 56 days before your release date. Do not wait until you're homeless.
They can make a homelessness referral on your behalf and work with our team to resolve your housing need.
You need to have a local connection to Redbridge for us to be able to help you.
If you’re leaving hospital
You should tell the hospital staff as soon as possible if you have nowhere to stay.
The hospital staff will refer you to us. We’ll complete an assessment with you. This can take place at the hospital.
You can also contact us. Apply for homeless help
If possible, contact us before you’re discharged from hospital.
If you are vulnerable because of an illness we may provide you with emergency housing.
If you're unable to return to your home because you cannot manage day-to-day activities, you should talk to the hospital discharge team. They will contact Redbridge social services. See help at home
