This page is currently under construction. If you would like support on housing please email advice@brunel.ac.uk with your query. Alternatively, visit us on capmpus in the Hamilton Centre for a drop in Mon - Wed 11am - 2pm.
If you find that you have nowhere to stay or are at risk of becoming homeless, The Advice Service can offer guidance and signpost you to specialist organisations to help you find your next steps. Please note, we cannot provide students with free accommodation.
The information below is largely drawn from the Shelter Housing Pages on Homelessness & Eviction. For more detailed information refer to their website - Homelessness advice - Shelter England.
If you are homeless, live in England and have British citizenship / right to remain in the UK take a look at Advice Now’s – What to do if you’re homeless guide.
Eviction
If you are being evicted or at risk of it, first make sure you have been informed about correctly and legally. This means receiving a correct notice from your landlord with enough time from your landlord.
This is because you do not have to leave as soon as you receive a notice, even if you have arrears. Your tenancy continues until you leave voluntarily or you're evicted by court bailiffs.
Legal Reasons & Notice Period
Landlords can evict using a Section 8 or 21 notice. These differ in that:
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Section 8 notice means you have an assured or AST and the landlord has a legal reason to evict you and they must only provide 2-weeks’ notice. Reasons include, if you:
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owe at least 2 months' rent (ground 8)
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owe some rent (ground 10)
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keep paying your rent late (ground 11)
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Section 21 notice the landlord does not need a reason for eviction, but they must provide a minimum 2 months’ notice
If you receive an eviction notice you should first, check that it is valid using the Shelter guides for Section 21 or Section 8.
Use the Notice Checkers from Shelterto find out how much notice you should be receiving.
If your landlord’s notice is not valid, they cannot use it to evict you. They can only start the eviction process if their notice is valid.
If you are a lodger, or sub-tenant who lives with their landlord, the eviction process looks different and can carried out more easily by landlords – learn more on Eviction of lodgers - Shelter England.
Illegal Eviction
For private tenants, property guardians and students in halls of residence - only court bailiffs can evict you. They must give you a legal notice, then apply for a court order.
If you have been issued an eviction notice, landlords cannot evict you, by:
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changing the locks while you're out
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threatening or harassing you to leave
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using force to make you leave
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stopping you from getting into parts of your home
If you are a lodger or share your space with your landlord the eviction process is different and landlords may be able to some of the above – Eviction of lodgers - Shelter England
If anyone other than a court bailiff makes you leave, it’s an illegal eviction.
Legal Advice & Representation
If you are risk of homelessness for any reason, you can access free legal advice as part of the Housing loss prevention advice service (HLPAS).
Use the Find a legal adviser on GOV.UK, tick 'Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service' and get advice by phone or face to face, or be referred for specialist advice.
They can also provide free legal representation should you go to court.
If you would like some guidance on how to get in touch with a Housing loss prevention advice service (HLPAS), contact us at the Advice Service and we can support you.
Where you can get help
Take a look at the contacts provided below based on what you are experiencing. We have provided people to get in touch with if you or someone else are at risk of homelessness.
If you see people sleeping rough
If they need urgent medical care and attention, call 999 to get urgent help
If they are sleeping rough, you should alert StreetLink which is a national referral line to help local services to contact the individual to connect them to support and accommodation
If there is severe hot or cold weather, those who are homeless are able to access emergency weather accommodation through local councils. You do not need to meet any immigration, residence or priority need conditions to get this accommodation - Find out how to access SWEP accommodation.
Learn more about how to help people who are homeless - How do I help someone who is sleeping rough? | Homeless Link
If you have nowhere to stay
Finding a long-term solution
Novus Homeshare is a scheme for affordable housing that matches people who have a spare room and require extra support around the house with individuals looking for affordable accommodation and willing to provide help at home. You can take a look at the opportunities available online.