25 July 2008Get some advice
Look for another home
I am sleeping rough, what should I do?
Can the Council help me if I am homeless or threatened with homelessness?
Sevenoaks District Council Homelessness Strategy
Joint Homelessness Strategy - Towards 2010
The first thing you should do is find out what your rights are and ensure that you are being asked to leave your home legally. Unless it is an emergency it is unwise to leave your home without seeking advice. An adviser will look at ways to prevent you becoming homeless. Advice can be given by the council contact the Social Housing Team or if you prefer get independent advice.
If your adviser confirms that you must leave then you will need to try and find another place to live by looking in the papers and adverts in shops and visiting letting or estate agents. Friends or relatives may be able to accommodate you on a temporary basis. It is also important that you register your need for a Housing Association Property as soon as possible by contacting the Council's Housing Register.
If you are unable to find anywhere to live and need assistance contact the Social Housing Team. We will be able to give advice on securing private rented accommodation and may be able to assist you through the Private Sector Lettings Scheme (
PDF 28K file details) or Lodgings Scheme ( PDF 1137K file details). If you are eligible we may have a duty to provide you with temporary accommodation. If your landlord is taking possession proceedings against you through the courts we strongly recommend that you contact the Social Housing Team.
I am sleeping rough, what should I do?
If you are sleeping rough and need assistance finding accommodation contact the Social Housing Team or seek independent advice.
You can apply to some hostels directly we can provide the details and telephone numbers of direct-access hostels in the area.
Can the Council help me if I am homeless or threatened with homelessness?
Local authorities have a legal duty to provide temporary accommodation for certain people who are homeless or about to become homeless through no fault of their own.
If you have a dependent child under 16 years (or 19 if in full time education), or are pregnant, or are vulnerable because of ill health or some other special reason you may be in priority need and can apply to the Social Housing Team for temporary accommodation.
If you do not fall into any of these categories we can offer advice and assistance.
Sevenoaks District Council Homelessness Strategy
Please click on the following links to download the full Homelessness Strategy ( PDF 99K file details)and the Homelessness Strategy Action Plan ( PDF 418K file details).
Joint Homelessness Strategy - Towards 2010
(Sevenoaks District Council/Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council/Tunbridge Wells Borough Council)
The Council has now joined its local authority partners in West-Kent to introduce a Joint Homelessness Strategy, which sets out sub-regional initiatives.
Please click on the following link to download a copy of the Joint Homelessness Strategy - Towards 2010 ( PDF 336K file details).
