Complete Housing Resources Guide
Comprehensive information about housing rights, application processes, and support services in Enfield and beyond.
This guide is for information only. We provide guidance and non-legal advice. For legal matters, please consult a qualified solicitor.
Understanding Your Housing Rights
What counts as homelessness?
- You have no accommodation you can legally occupy
- You cannot get into your accommodation (e.g., locked out)
- Your accommodation is unsuitable (e.g., overcrowded, unsafe)
- You're staying temporarily with friends/family
- You're in temporary/emergency accommodation
- You're sleeping rough
Council duties to help
- Prevention duty: Help if homeless within 56 days
- Relief duty: Help find accommodation for 56 days
- Main duty: Secure accommodation if priority need
- Emergency duty: Temporary accommodation if priority need
Priority need categories
The council has a stronger duty to help if you have priority need:
- Families with dependent children
- Pregnant women
- People vulnerable due to mental illness, disability, or old age
- People homeless due to emergency (flood, fire)
- Young people aged 16-17
- Care leavers aged 18-20
- People vulnerable due to domestic violence
- Ex-armed forces personnel
- People leaving prison or hospital
Housing Application Process
Step 1: Making your application
How to apply:
- Visit Enfield Civic Centre in person
- Call 020 8379 7000
- Use online self-help tool: enfield.adviceaid.uk
- Email housing services (check council website)
Documents needed:
- ID for all family members
- Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Benefit letters
- Medical evidence
- Tenancy agreements/eviction notices
Step 2: Initial assessment
The council will assess:
- Eligibility: Immigration status and right to assistance
- Homelessness: Whether you meet the legal definition
- Priority need: If you're in a vulnerable group
- Local connection: Links to the area
- Intentionality: Whether homelessness was deliberate
Step 3: Temporary accommodation
Important notice about placement:
Due to housing shortage, temporary accommodation is likely to be outside Enfield in areas with more affordable rents.
- You'll only get ONE offer of accommodation
- Refusal may end the council's duty to help
- You can request a review of unsuitable accommodation
- Support with school transfers and healthcare registration
Appeals and Reviews
Right to request a review
You can request a review if you disagree with the council's decision on:
- Eligibility for assistance
- Whether you're homeless
- Priority need assessment
- Local connection
- Intentional homelessness
- Suitability of accommodation offered
Time limit: 21 days from decision letter
County Court appeal
If review is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the County Court on legal points only.
- Time limit: 21 days from review decision
- Cost: Court fee required (may be waived if eligible)
- Legal representation: Strongly recommended
- Scope: Legal errors only, not council's judgment
Practical Tips and Advice
Before you become homeless
- Apply for help as soon as possible (up to 56 days before)
- Keep all documentation and correspondence
- Get advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter
- Don't leave your accommodation voluntarily without advice
- Register with the housing register
- Look into private rental options
During the application process
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
- Follow up regularly on your application
- Attend all appointments on time
- Report any changes in circumstances
- Keep receipts for travel and phone costs
- Get support from advocacy services
Financial support available
- Discretionary Housing Payment: Extra help with rent
- Local welfare assistance: Emergency support
- Crisis loans: From DWP
- Charitable grants: Various local charities
- Council tax support: Reduction in council tax
Alternative housing options
- Private rental: Find Your Own Home scheme
- Supported housing: For vulnerable groups
- Housing associations: Apply directly
- Mutual exchange: If you have social housing
- Lodging: Staying with other families
Need help with your housing situation?
Our team can provide guidance and support throughout the process
Email: info@somhelpaid.org
Address: 70 Fraser Road, London, N9 0BX
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm