There are a number of different factors that determine whether a person is homeless.
You are legally homeless if:
- You have no legal right to accommodation: You do not have a home anywhere in the UK or abroad that you have a legal right to occupy.
- You cannot get into your home: You have a home, but your landlord has locked you out, or someone is preventing you from entering.
- It is not safe to stay: It is unreasonable or dangerous for you to remain in your home (for example, due to domestic abuse, violence, harassment, or severe conditions that put your health at risk).
- You live in a mobile home with nowhere to put it: You live in a caravan, campervan, or houseboat, but have no legal pitch or mooring.
The council’s relief duty
We have a legal duty to help you find a home (known as the relief duty) only if an assessment confirms you are:
- Legally eligible for assistance
- Currently homeless
Under this duty, we must take reasonable steps to help you secure suitable accommodation that will be available for you to live in for at least 6 months.
What to do if you are homeless or at risk
Contact our housing team as early as possible so we can help prevent you from losing your home:
- Apply online: Complete a housing assessment on Kent Home Choice
- Call during office hours: Call our housing options team on 01843 577901 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Emergency out-of-hours: Call 01843 577000 if you have nowhere safe to stay tonight
You can also read Shelter’s guide on council housing duties and the relief duty