The council's homelessness tests
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
Unfortunately the council cannot offer a permanent home to everyone who makes a homeless application. The council prioritises the help it gives to homeless applicants using three tests.
If you pass all three tests you should be offered permanent accommodation. If you do not pass all three tests you should be given advice and assistance to find a new home and, if required, be allowed to stay in temporary accommodation for a short spell.
Overview of council inquiries
If you apply to the council as homeless, the council must make inquiries into your situation to see whether you pass certain 'tests'. This page gives an overview of the inquiry process.
Are you homeless?
The council's first question is whether you are homeless or about to become homeless. You could be homeless if you stay with friends or family or the place you are living in is not suitable for you.
Intentional homelessness
Before it can offer you permanent accommodation, the council must check whether you deliberately did or didn't do something that resulted in you becoming homeless.
Local connection
The final test when you make a homeless application is 'local connection',whether you have any links with the area.Councils can refer applicants but there are rules about when they can do this.
