Challenging a homeless decision

Summary

Before you ask for a review you should try to get your housing plan changed by speaking informally to the council. If speaking to the council doesn’t work you should ask for a review. Explain what you disagree with in your housing plan and what changes you want the council to make. Send evidence to show why you can’t follow the plan, if possible. You must do this within 2 weeks of asking for your review if you can’t you might be able to agree with the council to get extra time. For example, you might not be able to follow a requirement to widen your property search to include high rise flats because you have mobility problems. You could send evidence such as a letter from your doctor saying you’re unable to walk up stairs. Before you ask for a review make sure you check if you're 'legally homeless'. If you're legally homeless, explain why you are and include evidence. This could include: * evidence of why you had to leave your home, for example an eviction notice * a letter from your support worker or a police report if you had to leave because of domestic abuse or other violence * a letter from family saying you can't continue to stay with them If the council decides you can’t be.

Key information

• evidence of why you had to leave your home, for example an eviction notice
• a letter from your support worker or a police report if you had to leave because of domestic abuse or other violence
• a letter from family saying you can't continue to stay with them
• it wasn’t reasonable for you to stay in your home - for example because of domestic abuse or if your home was overcrowded
• you weren’t aware of relevant facts before leaving your home - for example, if you didn’t know you had the right to stay in your home
• bills and tenancy agreements - to show how long you or close family members have been living in your area
• a letter from your employer - to show you work in the area
• a letter from your doctor - saying you need to live in the area to get specialist treatment
• a letter from your child’s school confirming their attendance and impact of having to move schools
• you refuse an offer of suitable housing - though first they have to tell you that you might not get further help if you refuse the offer and that you can ask for a review
• you stop being eligible for help - for example, if your right to live in the UK changes
• you become intentionally homeless from your housing - for example if you’re evicted because you have rent arrears

Practical guidance

• Source: Challenging a homeless decision

Related topics

More in this area

• Getting help from social services if you're homeless
• How to challenge the decision about your homelessness application
• If you’re being evicted by the council or housing association
• Check you have the ‘right to reside’ for housing
• Overage Agreements and Clauses Explained