Intentional homelessness: your next steps

This is a web version of our Intentional homelessness: your next steps factsheet (PDF, 128.88 KB).

The information on this page was correct at the time of publication (5 January 2026).

This information is for people Enfield Council has decided are ‘intentionally homeless’.

What does ‘intentionally homeless’ mean?

Does your decision letter from Enfield Council say you've been found ‘intentionally homeless’?

This refers to the legal definition of ‘intentionally homeless’. It means you have become ‘homeless because of something you did, or something you failed to do’.

How does being ‘intentionally homeless’ affect you?

If the council decides that you are intentionally homeless, you will get less help from us.

Our duty to you will be limited.

For example: we do not have to find you somewhere settled to live. Instead, we only need to provide you with advice and help.

Our help might include a short stay in accommodation. But this is usually for no more than 28 days from the date of our decision. If you have exceptional circumstances, we could allow you to stay longer.

What can you do if you disagree with our decision?

If you believe our decision is wrong, you can request a review. Your decision letter has information about this.

You must request a review within 21 days of our decision. If you send a review request after this time, we do not have to accept your request.

During a review, can you stay in the accommodation we provided?

We have decided that you are ‘intentionally homeless’. You have a right to a review. However, this does not mean you have an automatic right to stay in the accommodation we have provided.

You usually have to find somewhere else to live during the review process. If you do not have anywhere else to live, tell us. Depending on your situation, we could agree to let you stay in our accommodation during the review.

How long does a review take?

The review process should take 8 weeks. This could be longer if the review officer needs more time, and you agree to an extension.

What happens during a review?

A review officer – who did not take part in the original decision – will lead the review.

They will go through your case and information to check if our decision was correct.

If the review officer disagrees with our decision, we would re-assess your case.

If the review officer agrees with our decision, we will end our homelessness duty/duties. We will also close your homelessness case.

Can you make a new homelessness application?

You can make another homelessness application if:

your circumstances have changed
you have lived in a settled home since your last homelessness application

But even with a new application, you could still be found ‘intentionally homeless’.

What you can do if you have nowhere else to live

You should try to rent a home
You should also contact your local social services. They can assess your situation and tell you about the support they can provide.
If there are children or other vulnerable people in your household, we will refer your case to social services. This is for safeguarding, so we will not need your consent.