Housing Act 1996

Duties to persons found to be homeless or threatened with homelessness E+W

190 Duties to persons becoming homeless intentionally. E+W

(1) This section applies where the local housing authority are satisfied that an applicant is homeless and is eligible for assistance but are also satisfied that he became homeless intentionally.

(2) If the authority are satisfied that the applicant has a priority need, they shall—

(a) secure that accommodation is available for his occupation for such period as they consider will give him a reasonable opportunity of securing accommodation for his occupation, and

(b) provide him with [F1 (or secure that he is provided with) advice and assistance] in any attempts he may make to secure that accommodation becomes available for his occupation.

(3) If they are not satisfied that he has a priority need, they shall provide him with [F1 (or secure that he is provided with) advice and assistance] in any attempts he may make to secure that accommodation becomes available for his occupation.

[F2 (4) The applicant’s housing needs shall be assessed before advice and assistance is provided under subsection (2)(b) or (3).

F2 (5) The advice and assistance provided under subsection (2)(b) or (3) must include information about the likely availability in the authority’s district of types of accommodation appropriate to the applicant’s housing needs (including, in particular, the location and sources of such types of accommodation).]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 190(2)(b)(3) substituted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F2 S. 190(4)(5) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 10 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Ss. 183-218 modified (3.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/797, art. 2(1)

191 Becoming homeless intentionally. E+W

(1) A person becomes homeless intentionally if he deliberately does or fails to do anything in consequence of which he ceases to occupy accommodation which is available for his occupation and which it would have been reasonable for him to continue to occupy.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) an act or omission in good faith on the part of a person who was unaware of any relevant fact shall not be treated as deliberate.

(3) A person shall be treated as becoming homeless intentionally if—

(a) he enters into an arrangement under which he is required to cease to occupy accommodation which it would have been reasonable for him to continue to occupy, and

(b) the purpose of the arrangement is to enable him to become entitled to assistance under this Part,

and there is no other good reason why he is homeless.

F3 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 191(4) repealed (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 20(1), Sch. 2 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Ss. 183-218 modified (3.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/797, art.2(1)

192 Duty to persons not in priority need who are not homeless intentionally. E+W

(1) This section applies where the local housing authority—

(a) are satisfied that an applicant is homeless and eligible for assistance, and

(b) are not satisfied that he became homeless intentionally,

but are not satisfied that he has a priority need.

(2) The authority shall provide the applicant with [F4 (or secure that he is provided with) advice and assistance] in any attempts he may make to secure that accommodation becomes available for his occupation.

[F5 (3) The authority may secure that accommodation is available for occupation by the applicant.]

[F6 (4) The applicant’s housing needs shall be assessed before advice and assistance is provided under subsection (2).

F6 (5) The advice and assistance provided under subsection (2) must include information about the likely availability in the authority’s district of types of accommodation appropriate to the applicant’s housing needs (including, in particular, the location and sources of such types of accommodation).]

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in s. 192(2) substituted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 11 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F5 S. 192(3) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 5(1) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F6 S. 192(4)(5) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 12 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 183-218 modified (3.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/797, art. 2(1)

193 Duty to persons with priority need who are not homeless intentionally. E+W

(1) This section applies where the local housing authority are satisfied that an applicant is homeless, eligible for assistance and has a priority need, and are not satisfied that he became homeless intentionally.

F7 ...

(2) Unless the authority refer the application to another local housing authority (see section 198), they shall secure that accommodation is available for occupation by the applicant.

[F8 (3) The authority are subject to the duty under this section until it ceases by virtue of any of the following provisions of this section.]

[F9 (3A) The authority shall, on becoming subject to the duty under this section [F10 in a case which is not a restricted case], give the applicant a copy of the statement included in their allocation scheme by virtue of section 167(1A) (policy on offering choice to people allocated housing accommodation under Part 6).]

[F11 (3B) In this section “a restricted case” means a case where the local housing authority would not be satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1) without having had regard to a restricted person.]

(5) The local housing authority shall cease to be subject to the duty under this section if the applicant, having been informed by the authority of the possible consequence of refusal [F12 and of his right to request a review of the suitability of the accommodation], refuses an offer of accommodation which the authority are satisfied is suitable for him and the authority notify him that they regard themselves as having discharged their duty under this section.

(6) The local housing authority shall cease to be subject to the duty under this section if the applicant—

(a) ceases to be eligible for assistance,

(b) becomes homeless intentionally from the accommodation made available for his occupation,

(c) accepts an offer of accommodation under Part VI (allocation of housing), or

[F13 (cc) accepts an offer of an assured tenancy (other than an assured shorthold tenancy) from a private landlord,]

(d) otherwise voluntarily ceases to occupy as his only or principal home the accommodation made available for his occupation.

[F14 (7) The local housing authority shall also cease to be subject to the duty under this section if the applicant, having been informed of the possible consequence of refusal and of his right to request a review of the suitability of the accommodation, refuses a final offer of accommodation under Part 6.

(7A) An offer of accommodation under Part 6 is a final offer for the purposes of subsection (7) if it is made in writing and states that it is a final offer for the purposes of subsection (7).]

[F15 (7AA) In a restricted case the authority shall also cease to be subject to the duty under this section if the applicant, having been informed of the matters mentioned in subsection (7AB)—

(a) accepts a private accommodation offer, or

(b) refuses such an offer.

(7AB) The matters are—

(a) the possible consequence of refusal of the offer, and

(b) that the applicant has the right to request a review of the suitability of the accommodation.

(7AC) For the purposes of this section an offer is a private accommodation offer if—

(a) it is an offer of an assured shorthold tenancy made by a private landlord to the applicant in relation to any accommodation which is, or may become, available for the applicant's occupation,

(b) it is made, with the approval of the authority, in pursuance of arrangements made by the authority with the landlord with a view to bringing the authority's duty under this section to an end, and

(c) the tenancy being offered is a fixed term tenancy (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1988) for a period of at least 12 months.

(7AD) In a restricted case the authority shall, so far as reasonably practicable, bring their duty under this section to an end as mentioned in subsection (7AA).]

[F16 (7B) [F17 In a case which is not a restricted case,] the authority shall also cease to be subject to the duty under this section if the applicant accepts a qualifying offer of an assured shorthold tenancy which is made by a private landlord in relation to any accommodation which is, or may become, available for the applicant’s occupation.

(7C) [F18 In a case which is not a restricted case,] the applicant is free to reject a qualifying offer without affecting the duty owed to him under this section by the authority.

(7D) For the purposes of subsection (7B) an offer of an assured shorthold tenancy is a qualifying offer if—

(a) it is made, with the approval of the authority, in pursuance of arrangements made by the authority with the landlord with a view to bringing the authority’s duty under this section to an end;

(b) the tenancy being offered is a fixed term tenancy (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1988 (c. 50)); and

(c) it is accompanied by a statement in writing which states the term of the tenancy being offered and explains in ordinary language that—

(i) there is no obligation to accept the offer, but

(ii) if the offer is accepted the local housing authority will cease to be subject to the duty under this section in relation to the applicant.

(7E) An acceptance of a qualifying offer is only effective for the purposes of subsection (7B) if the applicant signs a statement acknowledging that he has understood the statement mentioned in subsection (7D).

(7F) The local housing authority shall not—

(a) make a final offer of accommodation under Part 6 for the purposes of subsection (7);

[F19 (ab) approve a private accommodation offer;] or

(b) approve an offer of an assured shorthold tenancy for the purposes of subsection (7B),

unless they are satisfied that the accommodation is suitable for the applicant and that it is reasonable for him to accept the offer.]

(8) For the purposes of [F20 subsection (7F)] an applicant may reasonably be expected to accept an offer F21 . . .even though he is under contractual or other obligations in respect of his existing accommodation, provided he is able to bring those obligations to an end before he is required to take up the offer.

(9) A person who ceases to be owed the duty under this section may make a fresh application to the authority for accommodation or assistance in obtaining accommodation.

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in s. 193(1) repealed (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 20(1), Sch. 2 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F8 S. 193(3) substituted for s. 193(3)(4) (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 6(1) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F9 S. 193(3A) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F10 Words in s. 193(3A) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 5(2); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F11 S. 193(3B) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 5(3); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F12 Words in s. 193(5) inserted (26.2.2002) by 2002 c. 7, s. 8(1) (with s. 20(4))

F13 S. 193(6)(cc) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 7(1)(2)(6) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F14 S. 193(7)(7A) substituted for s. 193(7) (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 7(1)(3)(6) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F15 S. 193(7AA)-(7AD) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 5(4); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F16 S. 193(7B)-(7F) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 7(1)(4)(6) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F17 Words in s. 193(7B) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 5(5); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F18 Words in s. 193(7C) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 5(5); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F19 S. 193(7F)(ab) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 5(6); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F20 Words in s. 193(8) substituted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 7(1)(5)(6) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F21 Words in s. 193(8) repealed (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, ss. 7(1)(5)(6), 18(2), Sch. 2 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Ss. 183-218 modified (3.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/797, art. 2(1)

F22 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 194 repealed (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, ss. 6(3), 18(2), Sch. 2 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

195 Duties in case of threatened homelessness. E+W

(1) This section applies where the local housing authority are satisfied that an applicant is threatened with homelessness and is eligible for assistance.

(2) If the authority—

(a) are satisfied that he has a priority need, and

(b) are not satisfied that he became threatened with homelessness intentionally,

they shall take reasonable steps to secure that accommodation does not cease to be available for his occupation.

F23 ...

(3) Subsection (2) does not affect any right of the authority, whether by virtue of a contract, enactment or rule of law, to secure vacant possession of any accommodation.

[F24 (3A) The authority shall, on becoming subject to the duty under this section [F25 in a case which is not a restricted threatened homelessness case] , give the applicant a copy of the statement included in their allocation scheme by virtue of section 167(1A) (policy on offering choice to people allocated housing accommodation under Part 6).]

(4) Where [F26 , in a case which is not a restricted threatened homelessness case, ] in pursuance of the duty under subsection (2) the authority secure that accommodation other than that occupied by the applicant when he made his application is available for occupation by him, the provisions of section 193(3) to (9) (period for which duty owed) and section 194 (power exercisable after minimum period of duty) apply, with any necessary modifications, in relation to the duty under this section as they apply in relation to the duty under section 193 [F27 in a case which is not a restricted case (within the meaning of that section)] .

[F28 (4A) Where, in a restricted threatened homelessness case, in pursuance of the duty under subsection (2) the authority secure that accommodation other than that occupied by the applicant when he made his application is available for occupation by him, the provisions of section 193(3) to (9) (period for which duty owed) apply, with any necessary modifications, in relation to the duty under this section as they apply in relation to the duty under section 193 in a restricted case (within the meaning of that section).

(4B) In subsections (3A) to (4A) “a restricted threatened homelessness case” means a case where the local housing authority would not be satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1) without having had regard to a restricted person.]

(5) If the authority—

(a) are not satisfied that the applicant has a priority need, or

(b) are satisfied that he has a priority need but are also satisfied that he became threatened with homelessness intentionally,

they shall [F29 provide him with (or secure that he is provided with) advice and assistance] in any attempts he may make to secure that accommodation does not cease to be available for his occupation.

[F30 (6) The applicant’s housing needs shall be assessed before advice and assistance is provided under subsection (5).

F30 (7) The advice and assistance provided under subsection (5) must include information about the likely availability in the authority’s district of types of accommodation appropriate to the applicant’s housing needs (including, in particular, the location and sources of such types of accommodation).]

[F31 (8) If the authority decide that they owe the applicant the duty under subsection (5) by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection, they may, pending a decision on a review of that decision—

(a) secure that accommodation does not cease to be available for his occupation; and

(b) if he becomes homeless, secure that accommodation is so available.]

[F32 (9) If the authority—

(a) are not satisfied that the applicant has a priority need; and

(b) are not satisfied that he became threatened with homelessness intentionally,

the authority may take reasonable steps to secure that accommodation does not cease to be available for the applicant’s occupation.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 195(2) repealed (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 20(1), Sch. 2 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F24 S. 195(3A) inserted (30.9.2002 for W. and 31.1.2003 for E.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 14(a) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1; S.I. 2002/3144, art. 3

F25 Words in s. 195(3A) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 6(2); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F26 Words in s. 195(4) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 6(3)(a); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F27 Words in s. 195(4) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 6(3)(b); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F28 S. 195(4A)(4B) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 6(4); S.I. 2009/415, art. 2

F29 Words in s. 195(5) substituted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 14(b) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F30 S. 195(6)(7) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 14(c) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F31 S. 195(8) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 18(1), Sch. 1 para. 14(d) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F32 S. 195(9) inserted (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 5(2) (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 Ss. 183-218 modified (3.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/797, art. 2(1)

196 Becoming threatened with homelessness intentionally. E+W

(1) A person becomes threatened with homelessness intentionally if he deliberately does or fails to do anything the likely result of which is that he will be forced to leave accommodation which is available for his occupation and which it would have been reasonable for him to continue to occupy.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) an act or omission in good faith on the part of a person who was unaware of any relevant fact shall not be treated as deliberate.

(3) A person shall be treated as becoming threatened with homelessness intentionally if—

(a) he enters into an arrangement under which he is required to cease to occupy accommodation which it would have been reasonable for him to continue to occupy, and

(b) the purpose of the arrangement is to enable him to become entitled to assistance under this Part,

and there is no other good reason why he is threatened with homelessness.

F33 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 196(4) repealed (31.7.2002 for E. and 30.9.2002 for W.) by 2002 c. 7, s. 20(1), Sch. 2 (with s. 20(4)); S.I. 2002/1799, art. 2; S.I. 2002/1736, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Ss. 183-218 modified (3.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/797, art.2(1)