Homeless, sofa surfing, or nowhere safe to stay
You do not have to be living on the street to be homeless. You can be sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying in a hostel or living somewhere unsafe.
Get help if you have nowhere to stay
You can contact the council 24 hours a day. You'll get temporary accommodation if you need it.
Get emergency help from the councilHelp from the council
Making a homeless application with the council
Getting temporary accommodation from the council
Getting your homeless decision from the council
Getting permanent accommodation when you’re homeless
Immigration exemptions: homeless help from the council
Problems with the council
Challenging the council on your homeless decision
If the council refuses to help you when you’re homeless
Eviction if you’re staying in temporary accommodation
Extra support when you’re homeless
Storing your belongings and pet care when you’re homeless
Claiming benefits, working and your rights when you’re homeless
Organisations that can help when you’re homeless
If you’re homeless and on the streets
Last updated: 3 October 2023
Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.
This content applies to Scotland only.