What happens when you phone us
When you phone us for help to find temporary accommodation we will take some details about you and your circumstances. We will carry out an assessment to see what help we may be able to offer and what your accommodation needs are.
The process can take up to a day. It may take longer if you do not provide us with enough factual information.
Documents you will need
To speed up your request for emergency accommodation, we need you to provide the following documents where possible:
- a copy of a passport or proof of identification for each person in your household who will be homeless
- immigration papers if you are not a British citizen
- full birth certificates for any children
- proof of any state benefits you receive, such as job seekers allowance, Family Tax Credits, and Child Benefit
- proof of any income or earnings your household may have and details of your spending, such as bank statements (this is to assess the cost of any housing offered to you)
- bank statements for all accounts covering at least the last 3 months
- copies of any court documents such as a possession order or bailiff's warrant
- copies of eviction notices, such as a section 21 or a letter asking you to leave
- a copy of the tenancy agreement
- proof you have been living at the address you claim to be homeless from, such as a utility or Council Tax bill
What might I be offered
If you have nowhere to stay tonight, are eligible, and have priority need we may be able to place you in temporary accommodation. It is important to understand what temporary accommodation is and what it might be like.
Last updated: 9 July 2025
