Homelessness

Help if you are facing homelessness

It is important that you let us know as soon as you think you may become homeless. The more time we have, the easier it will be to help you.

You can contact us by email at: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk to let us know what is happening to you.

If you do not have access to email or telephone you can visit us at Central Library, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QG between 12.30pm and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

In most cases we will carry out an assessment to see what we can do to help you.

If you are facing homelessness, we have a duty to try and prevent you from losing your home or to help you find alternative accommodation. 

Homelessness is not a shortcut to obtaining social housing. If you become homeless, we will help you find private or supported accommodation.

If you ask for our help, the first thing we will do is try to support you to remain in your current accommodation if it is safe to do so. We will speak to whoever is asking you to leave to find out whether you are able to stay. We will also check that the situation has been conducted fairly and legally.

We will also ask you what steps you have taken to keep your accommodation.

It is important to do as much as you can to help yourself. Talk to whoever is asking you to leave and see if there is a possibility of staying longer while you seek advice. 

If we believe your actions have resulted in you becoming homeless, we may not have a duty to house you. 

If you are currently at risk from domestic abuse or in fear of violence, we encourage you to contact the Police.

For more information on domestic abuse, and organisations that can offer support and advice, see our domestic abuse webpage.

If you are aged between 16 and 17 years and need support, you can contact either Housing or Children's Social Care. They will carry out a joint assessment of your needs and may be able to help you to stay in your current accommodation.

  • Speak to your family or friends and try to sort out your differences. Is there someone who can act as a go-between if conversations are difficult?
  • Can you remain and bid for social housing or look for a private let?
  • Find out if they will let you stay for longer so you can move in a planned way

  • If you are being asked to leave rented accommodation, it is important to check that you have been issued notice in the correct manner. You can check if you are being treated legally and fairly on the National Homelessness Advice Service website or on the Shelter website
  • Do not stop paying your rent. Speak with your Housing Officer or private landlord urgently and advise them of your situation. You may be able to arrange a repayment plan. 
  • Check if you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to 
  • For help with your finances, budget or debt advice, contact Citizens Advice Swindon, the Step Change Debt Charity or the Wiltshire Law Centre
  • If you are being asked to leave due to your behaviour, stop and think about the problem you are alleged to have caused. Is it really worth losing your home for? 
  • Are you able to stay if you commit to changing your behaviour?
  • Talk to your Housing Officer or landlord about what is acceptable behaviour

If we can’t prevent you from becoming homeless from your private let, and we have a duty to offer you emergency accommodation, we will not make you wait for court action. You may choose to remain in private accommodation and wait for a Possession Order rather than go into emergency accommodation such as a hotel.

Contact information

  • E-mail: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 01793 445503
  • Telephone: Children's Social Care on 01793 466903 (if you are aged 16 to 17 years)
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