WORRIED ABOUT LOSING YOUR HOME?
If you are worried about losing your home, it is important to act early.
Worrying about losing your home can feel overwhelming and uncertain. You may not know what to do next or where to turn for support.
However, you are not alone, and help is available earlier than many people think. Taking action as soon as possible can often prevent the situation from getting worse.
This section offers clear guidance to help you understand your options and next steps.
Quick Buttons
If you need urgent help
If you have nowhere safe to stay or are at immediate risk, seek help straight away. You do not need to wait until you are sleeping on the street.
You can:
- Contact your local council’s housing team
- Ask about emergency or out-of-hours support
- Reach out to a housing charity for urgent advice
You can contact Citizens’ Advice on 0808 278 7940
If you are homeless and have nowhere to stay tonight:
If you need urgent help
Recognising the early signs
Recognising the early signs
Housing problems often begin before a crisis happens.
Recognising the early signs can help you take action sooner.
You may be at risk if:
- You are struggling to pay rent or bills
- Your landlord has contacted you about arrears
- You have received a notice or warning
- You have been asked to leave by family or friends
- Your home is no longer safe or suitable
In England, you may be considered at risk of homelessness if you could lose your home within 8 weeks.
What you should do now
If you are worried about losing your home, it is important to act early. Getting help quickly can increase your options and reduce stress.
You should:
- Contact your local council as soon as possible
- Speak to your landlord if it feels safe to do so
- Get advice from a housing support service
- Check if you are entitled to financial support
Your local council has a duty to help if you are homeless or at risk. They may offer advice, help you stay in your home, or support you to find somewhere else.
What you should do now
How the Council could help
How the Council could help
Your local council must assess your situation and decide what support to provide. This support will depend on your circumstances and needs.
They may:
- Help you stay in your current home
- Offer advice and housing support
- Provide emergency or temporary accommodation
- Help you find longer-term housing
If you are in priority need, the council may have a duty to provide temporary accommodation.
Support for Carers
As a Carer, your housing situation may be linked to your caring role.
Changes in your circumstances can affect both you and the person you support.
It is important to explain your caring role when seeking housing support.
This helps services understand your needs more clearly.
Support for Carers
Local support in your area
Northern Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire
They can:
- Assess your situation
- Help prevent homelessness
- Support you to find housing
- Provide emergency help if needed
- Help you stay in your current home where possible
- Offer advice on your rights and options
- Support you if you are at risk of homelessness
- Provide emergency accommodation in some situations
What happens next
If you are worried about losing your home, it can help to understand what happens next. Knowing the steps can make the situation feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Step 3: A Personal Housing Plan is created
If you are eligible, the council will create a Personal Housing Plan with you.
This plan sets out the steps you and the council will take.
It may include:
- Actions to help you stay in your home
- Steps to find alternative housing
- Referrals to support services
You will be expected to take part and follow the agreed actions.
However, the council should support you throughout this process.
Step 4: Support to Prevent or Relieve Homelessness
The council will try to prevent you from losing your home if possible.
If this is not possible, they will help you find somewhere else to live.
This may include:
- Speaking to your landlord
- Helping with rent or financial advice
- Supporting you to find private rented housing
This stage is often called the “prevention” or “relief” duty.
Step 5: Temporary Accommodation (If Needed)
If you are in priority need, the council may provide temporary accommodation.
This could be while they continue to assess your situation.
Temporary accommodation may include:
- Hostels
- Emergency housing
- Short-term lets
This is not always a long-term solution, but it provides immediate safety.
Step 6: Longer-Term Housing Options
The council will work with you to find a longer-term housing solution.
This will depend on your situation and local availability.
Options may include:
- Private rented housing
- Social housing through a waiting list
- Supported housing
It is important to stay in contact and keep updating your situation.
Housing laws can change, and some parts of the Renters’ Rights Act are being introduced in stages. For example, from May 2026, new laws have strengthened renters’ rights.
Carers’ Support Service is here to make sure unpaid carers are seen, supported and never left to struggle alone.
The Carers’ Support Centre
Registered Charity Number: 1070028
Company Limited by Guarantee.
Registration number: 3540988
Staff Documents
Staff Document store
