Housing advice

The Housing advice department offers general housing advice and information on residential tenancies to the general public. They also offer homeless assessments under the Housing Act 1996 Part VII (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002).

Under Section 7 of this Act, the council does not have a duty to house every homeless person, but it does have to provide advice and information to everyone who wants it.

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness the council may have a duty to provide help under the Housing Act 1996 Part VII (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002). The information below is intended only as a guide to the Housing Act and to give information about how your application will be assessed.

There are five criteria outlined below that must be met in order for your application to be accepted and to be considered for alternative accommodation.

  1. Are you eligible for our assistance?
    You are eligible for assistance if you are a British citizen or have an entitlement to public funds.
  2. Are you homeless or likely to lose your rights to your home within 28 days?
    You are considered to be homeless or threatened with homelessness if:
    • you have nowhere to live;
    • a mortgage lender has taken you to court and has said you must leave;
    • you have been living with friends/relatives and they have asked you to leave;
    • you cannot return to your home because of violence or threats of violence from someone you are associated with.

    A person is said to be threatened with homelessness if they are likely to become homeless within 28 days.
  3. Are you in priority need as defined by the law?
    You are said to be in priority need if:  
    • you have dependent children or an adult who depends on you and who normally lives with you;
    • you or someone you normally live with is pregnant;
    • you have become homeless as a result of fire, flood or other disaster;
    • you or someone you live with is disabled, suffering from a mental illness, or is vulnerable for some other special reason such as old age;
    • you are 16 or 17 years of age and are NOT the responsibility of social services for accommodation;
    • you are under 21 and at any time as a 16 or 17 year old were looked after, accommodated or fostered.

  4. Are you intentionally homeless?
    You may be regarded as having made yourself intentionally homeless if it is discovered that you deliberately did, or failed to do something, which caused you to lose your home, such as not paying rent/mortgage although you had income to make the payments, or if you were evicted due to neighbour nuisance etc.
    If you are found to be intentionally homeless we may not have a duty towards you.
  5. Do you have a local connection?
    • You must have lived in the area for at least 6 out of the last 12 months, or
    • be employed in the area for more than 16.5 hours per week, excluding the armed forces, or
    • have close relatives (such as mother, father or siblings) who are living in the area and have lived there for at least 5 years.
What if I don't have a local connection?

Your case may be referred to another council that you do have a local connection with.

So what happens next?

Once the advisory officer has completed their enquires they will inform the applicant in writing of their decision.

If accepted as homeless the applicant will usually be provided with temporary accommodation while waiting their turn on the housing register.

What if I disagree with the council's decision?

You have a right under section 202 of the 1996 Housing Act Part VII (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002) to request a review of the council's decision. You will be advised of your right to review and how to go about requesting a review in any letters notifying you of the council's decision.

What if my application is unsuccessful?

Information and help in securing alternative accommodation will be given. This information is free of charge and will include details of the Rent Deposit Scheme and the Family Home Bond Scheme.

How do I make an appointment?
  • telephone the Housing Options and Prevention officer on - 01722 434368 or 434629
  • fax - 01722 434530
  • email Housingadvice@salisbury.gov.uk
  • make an appointment in person at 26 Endless St, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1DR

Emergency appointments are in the afternoon (for example, if you are homeless today).

Opening hours

  • Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Access for people with disabilities

  • Limited wheelchair access, no adapted toilets.
  • Hearing aid systems
Useful documents that you may need to bring to an interview to support your case
  • Proof of benefits
  • ID
  • Proof of children or pregnancy
  • Eviction notice or notice of cessation
  • Medical evidence
  • Rent book
  • National Insurance number
  • Court orders
  • Any other relevant documents that will support your case

Housing partners

Contact details:

Telephone:
01722 434485

Fax:
01722 434530

email:
housingadvice@salisbury.gov.uk...

Postal address:
Housing Services
26 Endless Street
Salisbury
SP1 1DR