Our responsibilities

We have a duty to help you if you are:

• eligible for housing help
• at risk of losing your home and becoming homeless in Birmingham in the next 56 days (8 weeks)

Where we can help, we will try to:

• help you stay in your current home
• find you alternative housing to live in for at least 6 months if you lose your current home

We may have a duty to rehouse you in suitable long-term housing. This could be in the private-rented sector. It could be an offer of social housing (a council or housing association house).

The shortage of housing in Birmingham means you may wait a long time for your permanent offer. You can check if you qualify and apply to join the social housing register on Birmingham Choice. You can also apply for help if you are at risk of homelessness.

When carrying out our duties to you, we will look at your:

• priority need, such as if you:
  • are experiencing domestic abuse
  • are pregnant
  • have children aged 17 and under living with you
  • are homeless as a result of fire, flood or other disaster
• local connection to Birmingham, such as:
  • having permanent employment here
  • you have lived in the area by choice for 6 out of the last 12 months or 3 out of the last 5 years
  • you have qualifying family connections

If you are not happy with our decision about helping you to find housing, you may be able to request a review.

Page last updated: 20 May 2026