Housing Rights Information

Understanding "Intentionally Homeless" Status

Being labeled "intentionally homeless" affects your housing rights, but help is still available.

Basic Information - What You Need to Know

What does "intentionally homeless" mean?

In simple terms, the council might say you are "intentionally homeless" if they think you lost your home because of something you did or failed to do. This is different from becoming homeless due to reasons outside your control.

Important: Even if you've been labeled "intentionally homeless," you still have rights and can get help!
Step 1

The council looks at why you became homeless

Step 2

They decide if your actions caused your homelessness

Step 3

They tell you what help they can offer

Detailed Information

Legal Definition Under British Law

Under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017), a person becomes homeless intentionally if they deliberately do or fail to do anything which results in them ceasing to occupy accommodation which was available and reasonable for them to continue to occupy.

The local housing authority must be satisfied that:

  • The action or inaction was deliberate (not due to ignorance or mistake)
  • It was reasonable for the person to have continued living in that accommodation
  • The accommodation was available for the person's occupation

Common Reasons for "Intentionally Homeless" Decisions

Rent Arrears

Not paying rent when you could afford to do so, leading to eviction.

Abandoning Property

Leaving accommodation without a good reason when it was reasonable to stay.

Anti-social Behavior

Being evicted due to behavior that violated your tenancy agreement.

Selling or Giving Up Property

Selling your home or surrendering a tenancy without securing alternative accommodation.

What Does NOT Count as Intentionally Homeless

Domestic Abuse

Leaving accommodation due to violence or threats of violence is NEVER considered intentional homelessness.

Mental Health Issues

If mental health problems led to your homelessness, this should be taken into account.

Genuine Financial Problems

Becoming unable to pay rent due to job loss or disability is typically not considered intentional.

Landlord Ending Tenancy

If your landlord ends your tenancy legally (Section 21 notice) without fault on your part.

Your Rights & Help Available

What Help Can You Still Get?

Even if you've been found intentionally homeless, the council must still:

  • Provide temporary accommodation for a 'reasonable period' (usually 28 days)
  • Provide advice and help to find alternative accommodation
  • Make a detailed assessment of your housing and support needs
  • Create a personal housing plan with you

Priority Needs - Extra Protection

If you have a 'priority need' (e.g., you have children, are pregnant, elderly, or are vulnerable due to disability or other special reason), the council has additional duties to help you find accommodation, even if you're intentionally homeless.

Mental Health Protection: If you have mental health issues that make you vulnerable, this gives you priority need status even if you're deemed intentionally homeless.

How Service Dogs Can Help

For those with mental health conditions, a certified assistance dog can:

  • Help establish vulnerability for priority need status
  • Provide essential support during housing crisis
  • Improve access to dog-friendly accommodation options
  • Strengthen your case when challenging housing decisions
Learn About Service Dog Certification

Challenging a Decision

If you believe the council's decision that you're intentionally homeless is wrong, you can:

  1. Ask for a review of the decision within 21 days
  2. Get free legal advice from a housing solicitor or law center
  3. Contact Shelter's emergency helpline for immediate advice: 0808 800 4444
Use Our Letter Generator to Appeal

Common Questions

Yes, mental health problems should be considered when the council decides if you're intentionally homeless. If your mental health affected your ability to maintain your housing, you should explain this to the council. Get a letter from your doctor or mental health worker as evidence.

If you're intentionally homeless but have a priority need, the council must provide temporary accommodation for a "reasonable period" - typically 28 days. This gives you time to find your own accommodation. In some cases, particularly if you're vulnerable, this period might be extended.

Yes, you can make a new homelessness application if your circumstances change. This could include:
  • A significant change in your personal circumstances (e.g., health deteriorated)
  • If you've had stable accommodation since your previous application
  • If you have new evidence about your previous homelessness that wasn't considered

A properly certified assistance dog can help in several ways:
  • They can be considered part of your healthcare needs in your housing assessment
  • They provide vital mental health support during the stress of housing insecurity
  • Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords must make reasonable adjustments for assistance dogs
  • Service dogs can help stabilize mental health conditions that might otherwise lead to housing problems
Learn More About Service Dogs

Emergency Help

Emergency Housing

Call or text our 24/7 emergency housing line:
+447853811172

Email Support

For urgent assistance:
helpme@homeless.website

Find Shelter

Locate emergency shelter regardless of status:
Emergency Shelters Map

Emergency Help Guide