Accommodation for Central and Eastern Europeans

This page gives an overview of the accommodation options available for homeless Central and Eastern Europeans.

Local authorities (housing departments)

Eligibility for advice and assistance
Section 179 of the Housing Act 1996 states that local authorities must provide advice and assistance about homelessness and the prevention of homelessness free of charge to anyone in their districts, regardless of eligibility for a duty under Part 7.  This includes any Central and Eastern European national who presents to the council for help. Local authorities also have powers to offer assistance other than allocation of accommodation to this group to help them obtain accommodation, for example, rent deposit schemes. See the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities 2006, paragraphs 2.9 and 14.3.

Eligibility for the housing register, Housing Benefit and homelessness assistance
European Union law requires that all EU migrants are, as a matter of principle, given the same treatment as UK nationals when it comes to the provision of housing, Housing Benefit and homelessness assistance. There are some specific instances in which EU migrants may not be eligible for this equal treatment, but an applicable exception must be identified in order to exclude them from these entitlements.

A2 nationals are generally eligible for the housing register, Housing Benefit and homelessness assistance under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 if they are:

1. Working legally, including being registered or with a work permit where required – please note, people do not have to have worked for 12 months continuously before becoming eligible as long as they are still working (also note that individuals working part-time are still working for this purpose)
2. Out of work having worked legally for a qualifying period of 12 months and are actively seeking employment and have a reasonable chance of being employed, or are temporarily unable to work due to illness or accident, or are in vocational training. See Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities 2006 paragraphs 9.13, 9.14 and Annex 12 paragraphs 4, 5 and 11
3. Self-employed even with low earnings. Self employed A2 nationals do not have to register or obtain any permission to work in the way that some A2 employed workers do
4. Permanently resident because they have resided in the UK for five years or for only two years if they have become permanently unable to work. This status of “permanent residence” derives automatically from EU law. It does not depend on their having any documentation or stamp from the UK Border Agency as evidence of this
5. If they are qualifying family members (child, stepchild, spouse, dependent parent or grandparent) of whatever nationality of an EEA national who fits any of the above (they do not have to be EEA nationals or economically active themselves). In contrast to British immigration law, under EU law spouses are still considered family members irrespective of whether they have separated until a divorce has been completed by decree absolute.

Local authorities (social services)

View our briefing on the use of the National Assistance Act 1948 to house A8 nationals. You should be aware that the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 excludes EEA nationals from help under the National Assistance Act unless it will be a breach of their human rights. For further information contact the AIRE Centre or the NRPF network.

Housing associations

Housing associations are independent from local authorities and housing provided by them does not count as a public fund if it is a direct let. See National Housing Federation’s directory of members for housing associations in your area.

Supporting People funded services

Under the existing Grant Conditions, Supporting People funding can be used to provide housing related support services to Central and Eastern Europeans, but this will be subject to their meeting any local eligibility criteria in place and the availability of services. Where the individual is not eligible for Housing Benefit, he or she may still access housing related support services if he or she meets the local eligibility criteria - but Supporting People cannot be used to pay for accommodation costs.

Private rented sector

The private rented sector provides the most immediate means of securing accommodation for Central and Eastern Europeans. Rent deposit schemes can assist with access to the private rented sector but each has its own criteria and most are open only to statutory homeless or those entitled to Housing Benefit. See the London Housing Foundation's website for information about schemes in London.

Tied accommodation

Accommodation is sometimes available tied to employment. If your client is securing this type of accommodation, ensure they are clear about their employment rights to avoid exploitation. See our employment pages for more information on rights and reporting exploitative employers.

Cheap accommodation

You could try to find cheaper forms of accommodation available locally such as backpackers’ hostels. Be advised that quality of these will vary and there can be restrictions on length of stay.

Charitable accommodation

Few charitable accommodation providers are able to provide services for Central and Eastern Europeans.

Try winter shelters or Missionaries of Charity - Gift of Love who provide accommodation for 36 single homeless men aged 30-60 with low support needs:

112-116 St. George's Road
London, SE1 6EU
Phone: 020 7401 8378 / 020 7620 1504

Squatting

Central and Eastern Europeans who become homeless in London may live in squats of varying quality. For information and advice about squatting, visit the Advisory Service of Squatters or Shelter's page on squatting.