Are You Worried You May Become Homeless?

Our first priority is to prevent you from losing your home. We may be more successful doing this if you tell us earlier.

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 eviction.

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. You may be referred to our specialist Housing Options Team by your Neighbourhood Office. Remember our advice is free and confidential, you do not have to be a Sandwell Homes tenant to use our service.

All of our Neighbourhood Offices are open between 9am and 5pm (Friday 4.30pm) with half day closing on either on Wednesday or Thursday (check opening times here). You can contact the Housing Options Team direct for details click here.

Homeless In An Emergency?

If you have no-where to stay tonight and it is Monday to Friday during our office hours make your way as soon as possible to Sandwell Council House, Oldbury or any Neighbourhood Office (check opening times here). If you find yourself with no-where to stay outside of office hours or over the weekend please contact Housing Options Out of Hours on 0121 525 4688.  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 the numbers below.

If you are suffering domestic abuse 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(as amended).

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 (details below).

After the interview we may have to make further enquires into your case. We 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, please 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:

• Homelessness Service Standards available here

• Homelessness Directory 2005/6 available here

• Housing Options Factsheets available here

Sandwell Homes Housing Options Service

Housing Options Team

Sandwell Council House
Freeth Street
Oldbury
B69 3DE

&

Tipton Neighbourhood Office
6 Unity Walk
Tipton
DY4 8QL

Telephone : 0121 569 5285 / 2679 / 2666
Fax : 0121 569 5261
email: housing_options@sandwellhomes.org.uk

Housing Options Out of Hours Service

Emergency housing advice evenings and weekends

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 the above numbers.

Call 0121 525 4688.