Are you intentionally homeless?

The local authority has the power to investigate whether an applicant has deliberately done, or failed to do, something that has resulted in them becoming homeless or threatened with homelessness. For example-

giving up their accommodation without good reason;
failing to pay rent or mortgage repayments when it could be considered reasonable to do so;
being evicted because of antisocial behaviour by the applicant or someone living with them.

Intentionality does not apply to temporary accommodation. Applicants can only be intentionally homeless from permanent accommodation.

Should the Council decide that an applicant is not in priority need or is intentionally homeless, it still has a duty to provide temporary accommodation a reasonable period of time and advice and assistance sufficient to secure alternative accommodation.

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