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Advice if you might become homeless

There could be many reasons why you are homeless, or at risk of being homeless – for example you've been asked to leave your home, you are homeless after leaving prison or hospital, your mental health or the condition of your home.

Homeless because of poor housing conditions

There are a number of reasons why you may feel that your home does not meet your household needs. These can include:

  • the location of your home
  • the size of your home
  • the type of home

If your home does not meet your household needs, you should look at other options available to you. The most common and option is to look for alternative private sector rentals.

Unfit or poor housing condition

If you feel your home is in an unfit or poor condition, your first step is to ask your landlord to carry out the repairs within a reasonable timescale.

If they do not, you should contact our Private Sector Housing team who can take steps to make them carry out their responsibilities.
 
Types of repairs we can take action on include:

  • structural problems that could cause danger
  • heating that is not working
  • having no hot water
  • broken windows or doors
  • cooker or fridge not working
  • leaking roof
  • faulty electrics or wiring

Seek alternative accommodation

You should also start looking at other options available to you. The most common option is to look for alternative private sector rentals.

You can also apply to be added to the Choice Based Lettings housing register. This will mean you're registered for social housing. Your housing conditions or any other reason can then be assessed to see if this will give you any priority.

Choice Based Lettings housing register – Bedfordshire Homefinder

Find out how housing decisions are made

Read our Choice based lettings (CBL) allocations policy.