Legal Aid Navigator
Housing & homelessness
Help if you're facing eviction, homelessness, disrepair, or problems with a landlord or the council. This page explains the general routes to help — it doesn't tell you what will happen in your own case.
What kind of help is out there?
- Eviction — a landlord usually has to follow a legal process, including proper notice, before you can be lawfully evicted. Free advice services can check whether the correct process is being followed.
- Homelessness duties — councils have legal duties to assess and, in many circumstances, help people who are homeless or at risk of it.
- Repairs and disrepair — landlords generally have legal responsibilities to keep a rented home safe and in good repair.
- Legal aid — may be available for serious housing problems, particularly where you're at risk of losing your home. Use the official checker to find out.
Trusted services
Shelter
Housing and homelessness charity offering free advice on eviction, homelessness, repairs and more.
Visit Shelter (opens in a new tab)
Helpline: 0808 800 4444
GOV.UK: homelessness help
Official guidance on your council's duties if you're homeless or at risk of it.
Civil Legal Advice
Check if you qualify for legal aid for a housing problem, and get connected with a solicitor if you do.
Visit Civil Legal Advice (opens in a new tab)
Telephone: 0345 345 4 345
Citizens Advice
Free guidance on tenancy rights, eviction notices, and council duties.
Law centres
Free legal help from local, not-for-profit specialists, many with strong housing expertise.
Support Through Court
Free, practical support if you're representing yourself in a possession or housing court case.
A few terms explained
- Section 21 notice
- A type of notice a landlord in England can use to end certain tenancies without giving a reason, subject to legal requirements.
- Possession order
- A court order requiring a tenant to leave a property, usually needed before bailiffs can evict someone.
- Priority need
- A legal category that can affect what homelessness help a council must provide, for example to families with children.