Intentionally Homeless - Help

shrub100

I couldn't find anywhere better to post this, but if there is then please feel free to relocate this thread.

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Hi,

A friend of mine has found himself in a very difficult situation which I am looking for advice on. Long story short, after being on benefits he found a full time job but failed to realise that the salary was less than his benefits. As a result he could no longer afford to live in his flat and as a result he ended his tenancy. He then tried looking for somewhere cheaper, but without a long enough employment history or a deposit he could not find anywhere to live.

The advice from the council was that in order to qualify for housing he should stay in the property without paying rent for 6 months whilst the owner tries to evict him. Once the eviction and court case are made then he would qualify for housing. This was not an option for him, as his daughter had been guarantor for the property, and would therefore have been liable for the rent. Meanwhile my friend lost his job, meaning that he could not claim benefits or housing until 3 months had passed from his initial start date.

He is now homeless living out of his car and staying on friends floors as and when he can.

Can anyone provide advice on how he can find temporary accommodation, or how he can get an address so that he can file for bankruptcy; use it for employers and other official purposes? Needless to say there are people that would normally be willing to allow him to use their address but as he has significant debt following him and he is worried of the impact that he will have on their credit rating and embarrassed that debt collectors will likely track the address and cause hassle for his friends and family.

Can anyone offer advice on what to do?

debt_doctor

Hi,


Your friends debts are not important at this time - what are the creditors going to do to someone who has no money and living in a car?


Unfortunately, assuming your friend is without children, single and healthy then he has no priority need, so the council has no duties to him.
The council or local CAB should have details of their own lettings policy (which he can register on) plus lists of housing associations and local hostels. Local authorities also have homeless assistance funds that can sometimes be used to fund a bond for private rented property.


DD