Worried about homelessness?
Get advice and support from our online self-help tool. It has a range of information and links to resources matched to your needs.
What to do if you might become homeless
Ask for help, and follow advice, as soon as you can. It is important that you do not wait until you are evicted, or until you cannot pay for your housing.
Below are links to resources and advice that could help you avoid homelessness.
Has your landlord, family, partner or friend asked you to move out?
Do not panic. If you are renting from a landlord, start with what to do if your landlord asks you to leave.
Our online self-help tool also has free advice on evictions.
Moving out due to family or relationship problems
Shelter has advice on what to do if you are homeless and living with family or friends.
Consider mediation
Try family or couple counselling and mediation services like Relate (Enfield). Mediation could help you avoid becoming homeless.
Help and advice for victims of violence or abuse
If you are homeless, or could become homeless, because of violence or abuse, contact us for homelessness support.
For other kinds of help, please check our list of resources and advice for abuse victims.
Get help to pay your housing costs
Even with a careful budget, it can be hard to pay our rent, mortgage or bills.
There are several ways to get advice and help if you are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage.
You can also find out how to manage your bills and debt.
Rent a home you can afford
For practical tips, start with GOV.UK’s guide on how to rent.
1. Affordability
Decide how much rent you can afford. Your income and benefit payments must be able to pay your rent, bills and other expenses.
Estimate how much rent you can pay by making a budget.
2. Size
Decide how many bedrooms you need.
3. Location
Rents in Enfield and most of London are high. If you cannot afford to rent in Enfield, consider homes in other parts of London or further away.
Think about the different places you could live. For example, areas you can travel from for work, education or to be with friends and family.
4. Search (online and letting agents)
Use your answers to affordability, size and location to find a home you can afford to rent.
Search property websites like Zoopla, Rightmove and OnTheMarket. You can also register with estate agents.
Look after your wellbeing and mental health
Worried about money or your housing? Every Mind Matters has free advice on how to cope with money worries.
Talking to someone can also help. You can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123.
You can also try NHS Talking Therapies.
Homelessness help if you become homeless
You will have more control of your housing – and better choices – if you can avoid becoming homeless.
There are several stages in a homelessness application. We will start by checking if you are eligible for our help.
Our statutory duties and housing placement policy
The homelessness support we provide depends on your circumstances, and our statutory duties.
Also, if we have a duty to offer you housing, we will only make one offer of accommodation. You might have to move outside of London to somewhere farther away where you can afford to pay your rent.