The law says it's not reasonable to stay in accommodation where you face a risk of domestic abuse. This risk must be from someone you're connected to. And both you and the abuser must be aged 16 or over. If this is the case, the local council must make sure you have alternative accommodation.
Your council or housing association could move you quickly if it is very urgent. For example, if you are: experiencing domestic abuse. facing violence, harassment or aggression where you live.
sheltered housing for older people. supported housing because of a learning disability. things like a wet room, low sockets, lifts or handrails because of a disability. a larger home because you're a foster carer or looking after someone else's children.
Contact your local Citizens Advice if you're still not sure what kind of tenancy you have. You'll be offered a new home sooner if your council or housing association thinks you need to be given priority. This could be if you need to move because you're disabled or living in an overcrowded home.
Your local council has a duty to provide accommodation for some people who are homeless. These people are known as 'priority need'. The law says you are classed as priority need if you are vulnerable because of your mental illness. If you are a priority need you should be offered emergency accommodation.
You're more likely to get a council home if you've been given priority by your council's allocation scheme. This could be if you're: legally homeless or the council has a duty to find you accommodation if you're homeless - check what help the council should give you.
A person has priority need if they are vulnerable due to: old age that makes them less able to take care of themselves. mental health condition, learning or physical disability.
Your mental health problem may help you get higher priority for social housing. But you'll need to show how your current accommodation is unsuitable. And that moving to a new home will help you. You'll also need to meet other criteria.
If the Council has reason to believe you are eligible for help, homeless and in priority need then it has a duty to provide you and your household with emergency interim accommodation whilst it tries to relieve your long term homelessness.
This could be a friend, a family member or a professional such as your GP, counsellor or teacher. They may be able to offer emotional and practical support or play a role in your safety plan. Keep them informed about what's happening at home.
If you're threatened with homelessness you can't get emergency housing, but if you later become legally homeless you might be able to get it. If you're offered emergency housing you could be placed in a bed and breakfast or hostel while the council decides if you qualify for longer-term housing.
Can you be evicted if you have mental health issues?
However, if you feel the reason for your eviction is that your landlord is discriminating against you because, for example, you have a mental health condition or are of advancing age and they would prefer another tenant to take your place, this could potentially be classed as direct discrimination.
It's usually worth applying to social services for homeless help. Social services are more likely to help you, and they'll usually give you more help. If you apply to your local council, they'll ask if you're happy for them to do a 'joint assessment'.
Contact a domestic abuse organisation to get advice about your situation. Try calling when you are alone. They will talk you through your options for leaving your home or see if you can stay in your home safely.
If your current accommodation is affecting your health or you want to change your housing situation for health reasons YOU DO NOT NEED A DOCTOR'S LETTER. You need to complete a self-assessment form which is only available online or directly from the council. A letter from your doctor will not help the process.
Medical Priority is awarded not just on the basis of the particular medical condition but also on how that condition is affected by where the applicant is living and how suitable rehousing would benefit.
The Crisis Recovery house provides a safe place for people who need help to manage a mental health crisis. At the Crisis Recovery House people are empowered to: Develop their own coping skills. Build their resilience.
You could get a council home more quickly if you have more priority on the waiting list. Tell your council if your housing needs become more urgent. Challenge the council if you think they give you the wrong band or points.
Who gets the highest priority for council housing?
Applicants who will receive higher priority for housing: People whose current housing has a serious negative impact on their health. People who are living in severely overcrowded housing. People who are homeless as a result of domestic abuse.
A vulnerable tenant is defined as a person who is at greater risk of harm due to their circumstances, who may be limited in their ability to care for themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Councils decide who gets offered housing based on a 'points' or 'banding' system. Points and bands are based on housing need. For example, you're likely to be offered housing first if you: are homeless.
Can my son stay in my council house if I move out?
Usually, family members can only take over the tenancy if they have lived there for at least a year. They might have to prove this, so make sure they're registered as living with you. Even if you've checked these things and your children can't take over the tenancy, talk to the council.
A mental health problem can make it harder to cope with housing problems. And if you don't feel safe, secure or comfortable where you live, that can affect your mental health.
