If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness
Homelessness Reduction Act 2018 - what does it mean for you?
We have a duty to support anyone who is:
- Homeless - we must offer help to all eligible households to secure accommodation
- Threatened with homelessness within 56 days - we have to help people to prevent homelessness which means working with people to prevent/reduce rent/mortgage arrears
It is very important that you contact us straight away so that we can give support and advice to either find you somewhere to live or stop you from becoming homeless.
You will need to work with us to find a solution to your housing problem.
Housing assistance referral form
- A Triage Officer will contact you within 10 working days to discuss your situation.
- If you are homeless today please call us on 01304 872265 and a Housing Options Officer will contact you. You will still need to complete the referral form.
If you have a support worker they can complete the referral form on your behalf, if you prefer. Your Housing Options Officer will assess your circumstances and support needs and:
- offer you tailored advice to help you to stay in your current home or
- find alternative accommodation before you become homeless
- Even if you are not homeless right now, contacting us as soon as possible means we can begin to help you.
- Our referral form will you give an indication of whether or not we can help you.
FAQs about temporary accomodation
If I am placed into temporary accomodation what will I be offered?
If we place you, we will make contact with our provider to establish what is available at that particular time. It is likely you will be offered accommodation on a nightly paid basis until the outcome of your application, or until you find suitable accommodation.
Will I be placed into the Dover area?
We will always do our utmost to keep any household within the Dover District, however this is not always possible due to the shortage of suitable emergency accommodation. If you are placed outside of Dover we will look to move you back to the district at the earliest opportunity.
How long will I be in temporary accommodation for?
The accomodation will be available to you until you are successfuly accommodated elsewhere or until the council no longer owes a duty to accommodate you.
Do I have to pay for temporary accomodation?
Yes. The accommodation is charged at the local housing allowance rate depending upon your household size and you will need to make an application for housing benefit.
Can I bring all my belongings into the temporary accomodation?
You can bring any personal belongings with you, such as clothing. The majority of properties are furnished, however if you are unsure speak to the Temporary Accomodation Officer.
Who do I contact about repairs in my temporary accomodation?
You will need to contact the landlord for your accommodation depending upon who this may be. Please find the relevant contact numbers below:
Can I take my pet into temporary accomodation?
Unfortunately pets are not allowed. You may need to explore whether a friend or family member can temporarily foster your pet.
Alternatively advice can be found here.