If you are eligible and in danger of losing your home we will help you. We will help you to keep your current home. We will also take steps to stop you from becoming homeless. This is called the duty to refer. This is under the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. View more information about the duty to refer.
We will deem you at risk of homelessness if you are likely to become homeless within 56 days. A common example is if a tenant has received a valid notice to vacate by their landlord.
Tell us if you're at risk of losing your home
If you think you are going to be homeless it is important to contact us as soon as possible. You need to tell us:
- your address and preferred contact details
- the reason you think you might become homeless.
Completing the form will keep you from becoming homeless. Once submitted, it will allow you to take up any housing options we may be able to offer.
Struggling with rent or mortgage payments
If you have issues paying your rent or mortgage, see or rent and mortgage arrears page. You can also see our guide to dealing with rent arrears. Also see our guide to managing your bills and finances. You may be able to qualify for housing benefits.
Potential eviction from a rented property
If a landlord wants to evict you (the tenant), they must follow the legal procedure. If you are to be evicted from a rented property, the landlord must give you written notice.
Find out what you can do on our your right to stay in a private rented property page.
Refer someone who may be at risk
Agencies can refer a Harrow household for help using the duty to refer form. You will to provide us with:
- the client's address and contact details
- details of the agent completing the form
- a summary of the client's housing situation
- any supporting documentation.
What happens next?
- If you're put into emergency accommodation, it could be in a bed and breakfast or hostel. It may be outside of Harrow, or even London. This is due to the shortage of housing in London.
- If you have children or are pregnant and you are placed in a bed and breakfast, we aim to keep your stay short.
- We're unlikely to offer temporary housing to single adults. Or, to adult couples without dependent children. If this describes your situation you may have to find a room to rent in a shared house.
- We will assess your situation under homelessness law if we are unable to help you.
- To book an appointment you can call our assessment team on: 0208 424 1093. All appointments will be between 9am - 4pm.
Harrow Homelessness Reduction Board (HHRB)
The HHRB works to reduce homelessness. It also aims to fight rough sleeping in the local area. The board aims to:
- bring together local strategic and delivery partners
- ensure a joined-up approach to reducing homelessness
- share information to tackle rough sleeping
- review data to target resources and measure progress
- identify challenges in local areas. This includes identifying groups who have special needs.
- agree and deliver actions and solutions
- explore opportunities for external funding and joint-commissioning
- deliver our Homelessness and rough sleeping strategy
- review our housing and homelessness strategies.
Homelessness and rough sleeping strategy objectives
- Prevent homelessness. This is through personalised housing plans.
- Reduce the number of families in temporary housing.
- Help people access realistic housing options.
- Offer suitable housing options to vulnerable groups.
- Help rough sleepers find homes. Help them access key services.
- Share important homelessness messages to key groups.
Operational subgroup of the HHRB
The HHRB's operational subgroup is made up of partners. These partners work with people who are homeless. They meet to discuss operational issues and challenges.