At risk of being homeless
Homelessness is a complex issue and can happen in many ways. You may be homeless or at risk of being homeless if you are:
- asked to leave by your family
- asked to leave by your landlord or served a section 8 notice
- rough sleeping
- struggling to pay your rent or mortgage
- staying between friends and family (also known as sofa surfing)
- experiencing domestic abuse
- living in a home that is not suitable for your needs, such as your health needs, or the property is in disrepair
Our housing advice webpages provide guidance for your circumstances if you are leaving:
How we can help
If you are at risk of losing your home in the next 56 days (8 weeks), we can complete a housing needs assessment. This will assess your housing issues and how we may be able to help you.
Where you are eligible, we will support you to stay in your current housing as long as it is safe and suitable for you. If this fails, we will support you to find alternative housing.
Types of housing will depend on your circumstances, eligibility and what is available. It can include shared accommodation or be in the private rented sector.
You do not automatically qualify for social housing by being homeless or at risk of homelessness. The assessment will not add you to the social housing waiting list.
You can check if you qualify and apply to join the social housing register on Birmingham Choice. Be aware, demand is very high and the waiting time for a suitable property can be very long.
If you have already lost your home and have nowhere to stay tonight, contact us for emergency help.
Page last updated: 20 May 2026
