The council's homelessness tests

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. 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 four tests (the four hurdles).

If you pass all four tests you should be offered permanent accommodation. If you do not pass all four 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. Use our online assessment tool to find out whether or not you are likely to pass the tests.

You can also download a flowchart showing the process the council has to follow when it makes its inquiries.

If you don't think the council has looked into your situation properly, see an adviser a housing aid centre or Citizens Advice Bureau. They will be able to tell you whether the council has made the right decision, and help you get what you're entitled to.

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. Read more 

Are you homeless?

The first thing the council must find out is whether you actually are homeless or about to become homeless. This doesn't just mean sleeping on the streets - you don't have to be roofless to be homeless. You could be staying with friends or family or the place you are living in might not be suitable for you. Read more 

Priority need

Unfortunately councils cannot provide permanent housing for everyone who is homeless. Instead they concentrate on finding homes for the people who need help the most. These people are known as being in 'priority need'. Read more 

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. Did you become intentionally homeless? This page explains what counts as intentional homelessness and what you can do if the council decides you are intentionally homeless. Read more 

Local connection

The final test you have to pass when you make a homeless application is 'local connection'. This is to establish whether you have any links with the area. If the council doesn't think you have a connection, it may refer you to another council, provided you are not at risk of violence in that area. Read more