Housing Options
Housing Options and Advice
Homelessness
Are you worried you may become homeless?
Sandwell Homes' first priority is to prevent you from losing your home so the earlier you get in touch the more successful we're likely to be. Our advice and assistance is free and confidential.
Some common reasons why people become homeless in Sandwell:
- Your private landlord may be ending your tenancy
- You may be going through a relationship breakdown
- You may have rent arrears and be facing eviction
- Your parents or relatives may have asked you to leave
- You may have mortgage arrears and be facing repossession
These are just a few of the reasons why people become homeless in Sandwell.
Click the picture above to view the full range of Housing Options fact sheets that have further information and what to do if you are worried you may become homeless.
Where to go for advice
Any of our neighbourhood offices will be able to answer your questions about homelessness and finding a home but if they can't you may be referred to our specialist Housing Options Team. Remember our advice is free and confidential and you do not have to be a Sandwell Homes tenant to use our service.
You can contact the Housing Options team direct on 0121 569 6000 (Option 3). For further details click here.
Homeless in an emergency?
If you have nowhere to stay tonight and it is Monday to Friday during our office hours make your way as soon as possible to Court House, 335-337 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8LU 9am-5pm or any neighbourhood office (check opening times here).
If you find yourself with nowhere to stay outside of office hours or over the weekend please contact Housing Options out of hours on 0121 525 4688 (24 hour callback service). We can only give advice in emergencies - if you have somewhere safe to stay, even if this is temporary, please contact us during office hours on 0121 569 6000 (Option 3).
If you are suffering domestic abuse follow the advice on this page and more information can be found here.
Details of emergency hostels and women's refuges can be found in the Homelessness Directory 2005/6.
Having an interview?
Our Housing Options Team have extensive experience of dealing with and preventing homelessness. They conduct confidential interviews with people who are homeless or those who may become homeless. Their priority is, where possible, to prevent you becoming homeless and to ensure you are aware of your housing options.
If the team cannot prevent you losing your current home they will deal with your case as a homeless application under part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
If you require an interview, you will be given a time and date to attend the Housing Options team’s office.
- You are welcome to bring a relative, friend or anyone else to the interview for support
- We will interview you in private if that is what you prefer
- We can arrange for an interpreter if you require one
- Our offices are accessible with hearing loops available
If you are unable to come into the office please contact the Housing Options team.
 After the interview we may have to make further enquires into your case and may ask you to provide more information.
If we are dealing with your case as a homeless application we will investigate all aspects of your case after which an officer will decide:
- Whether you are homeless or threatened with homelessness
- Whether you are non-priority or priority need
- Whether you have contributed to your homelessness intentionally
We aim to notify you of your homeless application decision within 33 working days of opening your homeless case.
You will always receive decisions in writing. An officer will explain your decision if requested, please just ask. If you disagree with a decision you have the right to ask for a review – details will be sent with your decision letter.
If you are found unintentionally homeless and in priority need Sandwell Homes will agree to assist you to find a suitable home.
More useful information:
- Housing Options Service Standards available here
- Homelessness Directory 2005/6 available here
- Housing Options Factsheets available here
Housing Options Service - Contact Us
Housing Options Out of Hours Service
Emergency housing advice evenings and weekends Call 0121 525 4688 (Callback service).
If you have somewhere safe to stay, even if this is temporary, please contact us during office hours on 0121 569 6000 (Option 3).
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