Will the Council Rehouse Me If I Get Evicted? Understand Your Rights

Introduction: Facing Eviction in the UK – What Happens Next?

Eviction is more than a housing issue—it’s a mental, financial, and emotional storm that can hit without warning. For many UK residents, especially those in private rented accommodation, the fear of losing their home is ever-present. Whether due to a no-fault eviction (Section 21), job loss, rent arrears, or domestic breakdown, eviction can make anyone feel overwhelmed and helpless.

And so comes the critical question:
“Will the council rehouse me if I get evicted?”

The short answer is: It depends on your circumstances, your rights, and how early you act. In this article, we’re going to break this down in full. You’ll find not just the legal facts, but also real-life stories, step-by-step advice, and hidden support options that most people miss.

What the Law Says: Council Duties Under the Homelessness Reduction Act

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 transformed how local councils respond to homelessness. Before this law, many people were only helped after they became street homeless. Now, councils have a legal duty to intervene earlier, once someone is threatened with homelessness within 56 days.

Here’s what the law requires councils to do:

• Assess your situation: This involves a detailed interview where the council looks at your income, reasons for eviction, who lives with you, and any vulnerabilities.
• Create a Personalised Housing Plan (PHP): This plan outlines what steps both you and the council will take to either stop the eviction or help you find alternative housing.

• Offer prevention or relief duty support: Councils will try to stop you from becoming homeless (prevention), or help you secure a new place if you’ve already lost your home (relief).

But don’t be mistaken—not everyone is entitled to council housing or long-term support. Whether you’re offered emergency accommodation or put on a social housing list depends on how you meet their legal criteria.

Will the Council Rehouse Me If I Get Evicted?

Yes, the council may rehouse you if you get evicted—but only if you meet specific legal criteria. Councils in England, Wales and Scotland have a legal duty to help people who are homeless or about to become homeless, thanks to the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

But here’s the catch: not everyone is guaranteed to get a council house. It depends on your situation.

The council will assess your case using five key tests:

1. Are you eligible? (e.g., legally allowed to live in the UK)

2. Are you homeless or about to be?

3. Do you have a ‘priority need’? (e.g., children, health issues, domestic abuse)

4. Did you become homeless on purpose (intentionality)?

5. Do you have a local connection to the area?

If you tick all the boxes—especially the priority need—then the council must offer you:

• Temporary accommodation (possibly on the same day)

• Help securing long-term housing, including supported or council housing

If you don’t meet those criteria, the council may still offer you:

• Help finding a private rental

• Support with deposits or rent-in-advance

• Referrals to charities and hostels

In short: you won’t automatically get a council flat, but you will get help—what that looks like depends on your case.

Who Qualifies for Rehousing? The Council’s Criteria Explained

Councils make decisions based on five key tests:

1. Eligibility

You must have the right to live in the UK. British citizens, EU nationals with settled status, and refugees are usually eligible. If you’re on a visa or recently arrived, you may not be entitled to full housing support.

2. Homelessness or Risk of Homelessness

You’re considered homeless if:

• You have no legal to stay
• You’re living in unsafe or overcrowded conditions
• You’ve been served a legal eviction notice (like a Section 21)

3. Priority Need

This is the make-or-break factor for many applicants. The council gives preference to people who are considered especially vulnerable. That includes:

• Families with children under 18
• Pregnant women
• People fleeing abuse or violence
• People with serious mental or physical health problems
• Young people leaving care
• Older individuals with no support network

If you’re a healthy, single adult with no dependents, you may not be classed as having a priority need, and that could limit how the council supports you.

4. Intentionality

This refers to why you became homeless. If the council finds that you deliberately made yourself homeless—for example, by refusing to pay rent when you could afford it—they may say you’re “intentionally homeless.” This can disqualify you from long-term housing, though some temporary help might still be offered.

5. Local Connection

Most councils prefer to rehouse people who have a local connection to the area. This could be:

• Living there for at least 6 out of the last 12 months
• Working in the area
• Having close family in the area
• Needing to stay due to health or education reasons

If you don’t have a local connection, you may be referred to another council.

Real Stories from People Who Faced Eviction

Nothing brings clarity like hearing from people who’ve been through it.

Zainab from Birmingham: Fleeing Domestic Abuse

“I was trapped in a violent marriage with my 4-year-old daughter. One night, I left with nothing but our passports. A friend told me to go straight to the council. I didn’t even know where to start, but they helped me get into a women’s refuge that same day. We stayed there for three months before moving into a secure housing association flat. It saved our lives.”

Why it worked:

• She was fleeing domestic abuse (automatic priority)
• She acted quickly and accessed support through a women’s refuge
• The council worked with charities to find emergency housing

David from Newcastle: Evicted After 20 Years Renting

“I’d lived in the same flat for over 20 years. When the landlord passed away, the new owners gave me notice to leave. I was 62 and didn’t have savings for a deposit elsewhere. I also suffer from COPD. At first, I didn’t think I qualified. But the council assessed my health, and I was offered a room in supported accommodation, and later a council bungalow.”

Why it worked:

• Age and health made him vulnerable
• Long-term tenancy gave him a strong housing history
• He provided medical records and acted early

What If You Don’t Qualify for Rehousing?

Even if you don’t meet priority criteria, councils still must help you avoid homelessness. This doesn’t always mean a council house, but it can include:

• Negotiating with your landlord to delay eviction or accept a payment plan
• Assistance with deposits or rent in advance for private rentals
• Referrals to housing associations, charities, or supported housing
• Help with applying for Universal Credit or Discretionary Housing Payments

Sometimes, the council might offer you a private rental through their housing partnerships. These properties are usually inspected and meet decent standards, but they may be in a different part of town or require a longer commute.

The Role of Temporary Accommodation

If you’re accepted as homeless and in priority need, but there’s no suitable long-term housing available, the council must offer temporary accommodation.

This may include:

• Budget hotels or B&Bs (often used for families)
• Hostels and shared houses (common for single adults)
• Short-term council-owned flats

Things to know:

• You can be placed outside your immediate area if no local space is available
• The accommodation might be basic, but it’s a roof over your head
• You must follow house rules and continue working with the council on your Personal Housing Plan

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Rehousing

Want to boost your chances? Follow these practical steps:

1. Gather Your Paperwork Early

Start collecting everything now:

• Eviction notices
• Tenancy agreements
• Medical letters
• Benefit letters
• ID for every household member

The more evidence you provide, the easier it is for councils to assess your needs accurately.

2. Be Clear, Honest, and Consistent

Always explain your situation fully. Mention:

• Mental or physical health struggles
• Financial difficulties
• Any risk of harm if you’re made homeless

Inconsistent information or leaving out key details can delay your case or result in rejection.

3. Get Professional Support

Charities like Shelter and Crisis can:

• Attend council appointments with you
• Write support letters
• Challenge poor decisions on your behalf

4. Check if You Can Delay the Eviction

Try negotiating with your landlord directly or through mediation. In some cases, simply engaging with your landlord early could buy you weeks or even months to sort out your next steps.

Housing Charities That Can Help You Now

If your local council isn’t responding quickly—or you don’t know how to begin—these charities can help:

• Shelter – Legal housing experts offering free advice over the phone or in person.
• Crisis – Specialises in helping homeless adults with no children.
• Citizens Advice – Helps with everything from benefits to housing rights.
• St Mungo’s – Offers housing and recovery services for rough sleepers and vulnerable adults.

 

Conclusion: Act Early, Ask for Help, and Know Your Rights

If you’re at risk of eviction, time is your most powerful tool. The earlier you engage with your council or a housing support charity, the more likely you are to get the help you need—whether that’s emergency accommodation, temporary housing, or even a long-term home.

No matter your situation, you are not alone, and there is help available. Councils might not always offer the dream outcome, but they have legal obligations to ensure vulnerable people are not left on the streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose where I get housed?

Not usually. Councils aim to house you in your local area if possible, but due to shortages, they can place you further away, especially if you need temporary housing urgently.

What happens if I turn down the council’s offer?

If you turn down a suitable offer—especially for temporary housing—the council may discharge its duty, meaning you won’t receive further help.

Can I appeal if the council refuses to help?

Yes. You can request a formal review, and if needed, challenge decisions through the housing ombudsman or local court. Charities can help you with this process.