Council housing reality

[Wingingtwinning]

Looking for some advice please….

I have just been served with a section 21 as my landlord is selling up sue to the cost of living crisis. I live with my partner and two young children. Unfortunately we have been trying to find somewhere else in the private rented sector but are not having much luck as we recieve UC top up. looks like we will have to apply to the council as I’m scared of becoming homeless. When I look on the council website it’s says you need to have lived in the area for 5 out of the last 6 years but we have only lived in this area for 3 years. Just wanted some advice on how realistic it would be for us to get houses by the council considering so have lived here for 5 years?

I'm benefits not housing but I suspect any residence limit would not apply if you're applying as homeless. You will though need to sit tight after the S21 expires and wait for a court order and bailiff appointment otherwise there's a risk of being seen as intentionally homeless.

Take advice. Most, but not all, CAB have housing advisers. Shelter is brilliant for this sprt of stuff.

If you apply as homeless, the law says you must have lived in the area for 6 out of the last 12 months or 3 or out of the last 5 years to have a local connection.
You can also have a local connection if you work in the area or for other special reasons so you would qualify for homelessness help.

I suspect you are talking about their housing register (allocations). If you are owed a homeless duty then you will be given "reasonable preference" on the Housing Register.

You would not be expected to remain in your home until the bailiffs turn up. If outright possession is ordered by the courts then you will be considered legally homeless.

You would be best contacting your local authority's homelessness team as I have given a very simplified version of advice but hopefully enough to put your mind at rest.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice