Making a homeless application

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness and we are unable to prevent this, your case will be opened as a homeless application. If it is unsafe for you to remain in your property a homelessness application will also be opened.

We will discuss your case and explain how the law affects you.

If you are unable to attend the office we can visit you at home or at a mutually agreed venue.

In considering your application the Housing Act 1996 requires us to consider the following:

• That you are not subject to immigration control
• That you are homeless or you are threatened with homelessness
• Homeless within 28 days
• Fleeing violence
• Illegally evicted

That you are in priority need

• You or someone in your household is pregnant
• You have a child living with you who is dependant on you
• You are vulnerable due to old age, physical disability, mental illness or other special reason
• There has been an emergency such as fire, flood or similar disaster
• You are 16 or 17 years old and never been in care
• You were in care when you were 16 or 17 years old and you are now aged between 18 and 21 years old
• You are vulnerable due to being in the armed forces, in prison or in care
• You are vulnerable and fleeing violence or have received threats of violence

That you have not made yourself homeless

• You have failed to pay your rent
• You have caused anti social behaviour
• You are not able to occupy your home due to your own actions

That you have a connection to the City of Lincoln

• You have lived within the boundary six of the last 12 months or three of the last five years
• You are working within the city
• You have close family who live in the city whom you have regular contact with

We will ask you to provide proof of your identity. This can be provided through your:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Full birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Medical card
• Proof of benefits
• National insurance number
• Proof of pregnancy

We need evidence of why you are homeless and evidence of your last address. These can be provided through:

• A tenancy agreement
• Proof of purchase or sale of property
• Court orders
• A valid Notice to Quit
• Letters requesting that you leave

You will also need to provide any supporting evidence that is relevant to you. This can be:

• Social work report
• Medical recommendations
• Letter of support from Womens Aid
• Solicitors letter
• Police report

This list is for guidance only. The exact information required will depend on your situation and your reasons for homelessness. The Officer interviewing you will let you know if any further information/evidence is required.

They may also write to other people for confirmation as well as your current landlord or the family/friends who have asked you to leave.

We will give you a written decision on every application made and we aim to do this within 25 working days. If you feel this decision is wrong you can request the decision be reviewed within 21 days of receiving your decision. A Senior Officer who has not had any dealings with your case will do the review.

After the review, if you are still not happy with the decision you can appeal to the County Court.