Support if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

If you are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, you should get advice and help to find a solution to your housing problem as soon as possible.

What we can do

If you are homeless today and not living in the Croydon borough you should contact your local council for housing help.

In Croydon, if you are eligible for our help and are threatened with homelessness, we will try to stop you losing your home.  Our primary aim is to help you stay in your own home, rent in the private sector and advise on your housing options.

You can apply to any local authority, if you are eligible:

  • homeless, or 
  • may become homeless within two months (56 days)  

We can offer advice on your legal rights and may negotiate with your current landlord or the person you live with to prevent you becoming homeless. We can help you to find alternative housing, or provide a range of other housing options. 

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, you must cooperate with any reasonable steps and efforts we have agreed with you to prevent you from becoming homeless or find you an alternative home. If we help you find a private rented home, this may end our duty to house you.

Reasons for homelessness

Here are some reasons why you might be homeless, or at risk of losing your home.

You should read the guidance relative to you, and even if your reason isn't listed here you can make a homelessness and housing advice application. 

Council or housing association properties

It is more likely that we will help you to find a private rented home, to buy a home or advise on your housing options.

Housing in the area is in high demand, and very few council and housing association homes become available to let each year.

Each day, people register for council housing assistance, some have a higher priority, which means you may move up or down the register.

There is a very limited likelihood of being offered a home.

We will work with you to seek a housing solution to help you to stay in your home, or to find an alternative. By exploring your housing options,  it may be easier and quicker for you to move home and resolve your problem.

Make a homeless and housing advice application 

See the homelessness and housing advice application step-by-step process.