A place to stay
If you suddenly find that you have problems with your accommodation, such as being asked to leave at short notice and having nowhere else to go, there are organisations that can help.
Local council emergency housing
You may be able to get help from your local council housing department.
But this depends on your immigration status.
You can get help if you:
- have indefinite leave to remain or permanent residence
- are a worker from the European Economic Area (EEA) although the rules are stricter if you are from eastern Europe
- are a refugee or have humanitarian protection
- are a student who is 'habitually resident' here.
If you have limited leave to remain or are here illegally, you will not be able to get help from your local council.
If you are an asylum seeker your solicitor, or whoever is advising you, should be getting you help through the National Asylum Support Service.
Other emergency housing
Some charities can help you to find somewhere to stay.
Shelter
The housing charity Shelter has housing aid centres across
Britain and an advice services directory.
Telephone: 0808 800 444
(free)
England: http://england.shelter.org.uk/
Wales: www.sheltercymru.org.uk
Homeless UK
This database lists over 8,000 services for people who
are homeless. It includes information about hostels around the UK.
www.homelessuk.org
Citizens Advice Bureau
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau office
can give you advice on accommodation issues. There is also lots of information
on the CAB website.
www.adviceguide.org.uk
