If you are already homeless

If you have nowhere to live you should contact us for a Housing Options Advice Appointment.

If you are requesting urgent help with housing, a Homelessness Officer will carry out an investigation. Details about you, your family and your home will be needed. This is necessary in order for us to assess whether or not we have a responsibility to find you accommodation. If we do not have a duty to house you we can still offer you advice, whatever your circumstances.

What happens when there is a danger of you becoming homeless?

Come to us when you are at risk of becoming homeless and book an appointment with the Homelessness Officer, who will discuss your current situation, legal obligations and your rights giving you relevant advice and assistance.

During this interview a homeless declaration may be completed and all relevant documents photocopied.

Making the appointment

To make an appointment with the Homelessness Team please call (01283) 595804, call into the reception or e-mail housing@south-derbys.gov.uk

If you are homeless in an emergency out of hours you can call (01773) 728222.

What to bring with you

Proof you are Eligible

e.g. Birth Certificates, Passports, Immigration or Home Office Paperwork.

Proof of homelessness

• notice to Quit or Eviction Notice, Repossession Paperwork
• a letter from people you are living or staying with asking you to leave
• if your accommodation is linked to your employment a letter stating this or a tenancy agreement, or employment contract, along with details of why and when you must leave
• if you are being or have been evicted for non-payment of rent or mortgages details of your income and expenditure
• all correspondence regarding eviction and court proceedings papers if you are being or have been evicted for non-payment of rent or mortgage

Proof of your household

We will need proof of dependent children living with you or proof of pregnancy if you are pregnant. If you have any of the following you should bring them with you:

• pregnancy Certificate (Proof of Pregnancy notes and expected delivery date)
• child Benefit Notification Letter
• care and Control documents from Court
• birth Certificates / Passport

Identification and Proof of Personal Circumstances

• passport, Driving Licence, Birth Certificates
• medical Letters from Care Professionals
• proof of Date of Birth
• proof of Income, Benefit, Wage Slips
• proof of National Insurance Number
• if there is police involvement, Crime Reference numbers and any relevant documents.

Proof of Local Connection

• a Contract of Employment if you work in the district
• proof and length of residency, for example, Household bills etc
• details of family members in this area, names / addresses and length for time in the area

Please note that these are the main documents of proof but we may ask for more specific documents depending on the situation.

We are likely to need to contact other agencies such as, your landlord, mortgage company, police, medical professionals etc as part of our enquiries. We will need your signed permission to do these checks.

When will a decision be made?

We aim to make a decision within 33 days after the date of the declaration and a letter will be sent to applicants advising them of the outcome.

Temporary Accommodation

In some circumstances, we may help you find temporary accommodation whilst a decision is being made or a property located. Temporary accommodation may be in a hostel, refuge, Bed & Breakfast or other accommodation available in an emergency. We will try to accommodate people in temporary accommodation within South Derbyshire wherever possible. However, due to availability this may not always be possible.

If we have a duty to help with permanent accommodation but you need accommodation immediately, we may initially provide temporary accommodation until permanent housing can be secured This is because are not likely to have a suitable vacancy for you straight away.

Even if we do not have a duty to provide you with permanent housing, temporary accommodation may still be provided  for a limited period.

Costs of Temporary Accommodation

The costs vary between providers and on the amount of support or services included. In most temporary accommodation you will be required to contribute or pay the costs. Housing Benefit can help with much of the cost when people are on benefits or a low income.

Contact Details

Housing Services
South Derbyshire District Council
Civc Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote, Derbyshire
DE11 0AH

Tel: 01283 595804/595802
Online: online enquiry form
Email: housing@south-derbys.gov.uk

page ref: LGSL 167