Homelessness assistance
If you are eligible for support with homelessness the Council may be required to prevent your homelessness.
Homelessness can only be prevented in one of two ways:
a) You can be helped to stay where you are, or
b) You can be helped to move somewhere else.
Staying where you are
If you are under the threat of homelessness there may be options you can explore before you need to find somewhere new to live.
If you are being asked to leave by friends or family – perhaps due to overcrowding or extra costs they incur by you living in their home - you should consider what compromises you might be able to make and try and negotiate with them.
If you are renting and in rent arrears, or are struggling to meet your rent with the money you have to live on it may be possible to negotiate the rent with the landlord or obtain benefit assistance.
You can get free, independent, detailed and immediate advice from Get advice | My Housing Gateway on the following:
- What to do when you have received a notice to leave
- Anti-social behaviour
- Damp and mould problems
- Repairs to your home
- Rent problems
This service will suggest you continue with a homeless application if needed but may be able to help you resolve your situation without having to make a homeless application to the Council.
Help with moving somewhere else
If staying in your current home is not an option, the most likely way to resolve this is by finding a home in the private rented sector. If you find somewhere yourself, Newham's Homeless Prevention and Advice Service could help by negotiating the rent and tenancy term with the landlord. And, may also be able to help with a deposit or rent in advance.
Since rents in Newham are very high, broadening your search will give you more choice of available and affordable homes.
If you would prefer social housing and you are willing to consider properties outside of London, waiting times can often be a lot shorter for social housing.
Newham are part of a scheme called HomefinderUK, which helps you to bid for properties in locations where demand is lower. It also helps you find schools and employment in the area of your choice.
Find out more on the HomefinderUK website.
Newham's Homeless Prevention and Advice Service (HPAS)
It is very important to us to help prevent you from becoming homeless. To have the best chance of achieving this support we need to know as soon as possible if you are under the threat of homelessness.
The help we can provide includes:
- Producing a Personal Housing Plan with you
- Mediation between you and the person who has asked you to leave with the aim of keeping you in your home
- Negotiating the rent with your landlord
- Advising you on your rights of occupation
- Help you increase your income by accessing employment, providing guidance on debt management and welfare benefits
- Providing a discretionary housing payment to provide short-term support to maintain your current tenancy
- Advising you on how to find somewhere else to live
- Assessing any housing duty owed
To access the Homeless Prevention and Advice Service (HPAS) you will need to complete an application form and submit your documents online.
If you already have an open application for assistance do not make a new application but email us at hpas@newham.gov.uk.
Temporary Accommodation
If you have been placed in temporary accommodation by Newham Council please do not make another homeless application. Please contact Newham's Temporary Accommdation Service.
If you have been placed in temporary accommodation in the borough of Newham by another council/local authority you should contact them first about any threat of homelessness.
