Finding A Home
Housing Options and Advice
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
- You may be leaving HM Forces
- You may have mortgage arrears and be facing repossession
These are just a few of the reasons why people become homeless in Sandwell.
Where To Go For Advice
Any of our Neighbourhood Offices will be able to answer your questions about homelessness and finding a home. They will advise you what is best for you to do. You may be referred to our specialist North and South Housing Options Teams 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 with half day closing on either on Wednesday or Thursday. Details of how to contact a Housing Options Team are included below.
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 any Neighbourhood Office (check opening times). If you find yourself with no-where to stay outside of office hours or over the weekend please contact Community Alarms Duty Team on 0121 525 4688.
Having An Interview?
We have a North and a South Housing Options Team. These teams 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
- All 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 a Manager 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
We aim to notify you of your 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 letter.
If you are found unintentionally homeless and in priority need Sandwell Homes will agree to assist you to find a suitable home.
Sandwell Homes Housing Options Team
Housing Options Team
Tipton Neighbourhood Office
6 Unity Walk
Tipton
DY4 8QL.
Telephone : 0121 569 2690 / 5285 / 2703 / 2744
Fax : 0121 569 5261
&
Sandwell Council House
Freeth Street
Oldbury
B69 3DE
Telephone : 0121 569 2698 / 5352 / 5152
Fax: 0121 544 9670
eMail: tipton_neighbourhoodoffice@sandwellhomes.org.uk
Need advice in an EMERGENCY outside of office hours?
Contact Community Alarms Duty Team on 0121 569 4688
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