If you’re facing homelessness or your living situation has suddenly become unsafe, knowing how to get emergency housing from local council can make all the difference. This step-by-step guide explains how the process works, what your rights are as a tenant, and how to give yourself the best chance of getting the help you need.
Before contacting your local council, it’s wise to speak with a trained adviser. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a first-line support service offering legal guidance to tenants facing eviction, unsafe housing, or landlord harassment. They can help you understand your rights and prepare your case before you approach the council.
How To Get Emergency Housing From Local Council: Who Qualifies and When to Apply
Councils in England have a legal duty to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days. Emergency housing is meant for situations where it’s not safe or reasonable for you to stay where you are. You may qualify if:
- You’ve been evicted suddenly and have nowhere to go
- You’re fleeing domestic abuse or intimidation
- Your landlord has made the property unsafe or uninhabitable
- You’re living in overcrowded or severely unhealthy conditions
- You’ve been asked to leave by friends or family who originally took you in
If any of these apply, contact your local housing department immediately. The council must decide within a few hours, or at most a day, if they will provide temporary accommodation. Timing matters, so act as soon as your living situation changes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Get Emergency Housing From Local Council
- Contact the Council Without Delay
Call or visit the local housing options team. Ask to make a homelessness application. Be clear that it’s urgent. They must legally take your application and assess your situation, even outside regular business hours in many cases. - Explain Your Situation Clearly
When speaking with a housing officer, explain why you can’t stay where you are. Include any threats made, unsafe conditions, or changes to your living arrangements. If your landlord is harassing you or has illegally evicted you, mention this—it may strengthen your case. - Provide Supporting Evidence
Bring anything you have that supports your request. This could be a Section 21 notice, police records, witness statements, doctor’s letters, or photos of poor housing conditions. If events happened quickly, don’t worry—it’s not required upfront but can help show your case is urgent and genuine. - Request Emergency Accommodation
If you have nowhere safe to go tonight, tell the housing officer. Councils have the power to place you in emergency accommodation immediately while they investigate your situation. This may be a hostel, bed and breakfast, or council-managed placement. - Attend Follow-Up Interviews or Provide Details Promptly
After placing you in emergency housing, the council has a duty to look into your longer-term housing status. They may ask for more documents or interviews. Respond as soon as possible, as delays can risk your placement or lead to discharge.
The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a 24/7 tenant legal helpline offering affordable, solicitor-backed help for eviction defence, disrepair, harassment, rent arrears, deposit disputes, and on-the-day court support across the UK. Membership is £10/month. Learn more at The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS).
What Type of Emergency Housing Can You Expect?
Emergency housing varies depending on availability and the urgency of your case. It could be:
- Bed and breakfast accommodation (used more for single people)
- Short-term hostels or supported housing
- Self-contained units arranged temporarily by the council
This type of housing is meant to be short-term while the council decides your longer-term rights. Not all local authorities have the same resources, but they must still provide accommodation suited to vulnerable people, including families with children, elderly individuals, or those with health needs.
Your Rights and Responsibilities During the Emergency Housing Process
Even though the council provides temporary help, you must meet certain responsibilities to keep it. You must:
- Cooperate fully with the council’s investigations
- Attend appointments or interviews on time
- Provide documents they request within the required timeframe
- Follow the rules of the accommodation (e.g. no guests, curfews)
Failure to follow these could lead to being “intentionally homeless,” meaning the council might end their duty to help you. However, you do have the right to appeal if that happens. It’s always worth seeking legal advice early if you feel your rights are being ignored or threatened.
Important Protections: When Harassment or Unlawful Eviction Is Involved
If your landlord has forced you out without notice, changed the locks, or is threatening you at home, the council must treat your situation as high priority. Harassment or illegal eviction is a criminal offence, and you should contact the council and the police as soon as possible. Document everything—texts, calls, witness statements—and share this with the housing officer. This type of evidence can push the council to act faster and classify you as eligible for emergency housing even if you didn’t have a notice served.
What If the Council Refuses to Help?
If you’re told the council won’t help or says you’re not eligible, request a written decision and get specialist advice right away. Councils sometimes get it wrong, or base decisions on incomplete information. You have a legal right to request a review of their decision within 21 days. Organisations like Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a trained housing adviser can help with challenging unfair refusals. Shelter and Citizens Advice can offer general guidance, but The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) provides solicitor-backed legal protection 24/7.
Final Thoughts: Act Quickly, Know Your Rights
Understanding how to get emergency housing from local council can be key to staying safe when your home situation suddenly changes. Councils have legal duties to respond swiftly, but you also have a part to play. Be clear, stay organised, and don’t let yourself be brushed aside. If you’re unsure, ask questions. If you feel intimidated or ignored, get legal support. No one should be left without shelter simply because a landlord chooses not to follow the law.
Don’t face court alone. Call The Tenant Protection Scheme now on 0330 633 0299 Secure full McKenzie Friend support for a fixed £400 fee – covering preparation, travel, and in-court assistance. Protect your home and defend your rights in court. Call us now.