There are several reasons why someone may become homeless, this can be caused by illegal eviction, loss of income, domestic violence, relationship breakdown or a change in family circumstances. This article outlines the support available if you become homeless, or are at risk of homelessness, during your studies.
When is someone considered to be homeless?
The term homelessness can be applied to a number of scenarios:
- Street homeless
- Staying temporarily with friends or family (commonly known as sofa surfing)
- Staying in a hostel, night shelter or B&B
- Squatting (because you have no legal right to stay)
- At risk of violence or abuse in your home
- Living in poor conditions that affect your health
- Living apart from your family because you don't have a place to live together
The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 outlines the legal duties of English councils to provide meaningful help to everyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.
If you are; sofa surfing, in temporary accommodation, a victim of domestic violence, recently evicted with nowhere to go or at risk of homelessness in the next 8 weeks, and are unable to secure your own accommodation you should make an application for homelessness with your local authority. They have a duty to help you even if you have no recourse to public funds. Although local councils have a legal duty to help people that present as homeless, not everyone gets help with housing, some people just get advice on how to find a home.
For more information, read Shelter’s guide to asking for homeless help from the council.
Important to know: You are not considered to be homeless if you have not yet secured appropriate student accommodation but have a home which you can commute to each day outside of London, or you have just arrived in London and are looking for somewhere to live. For advice and guidance on your housing options read our article I need help finding somewhere to live.