Last amended by Renters’ Rights Act 2025 in 2025. 1 recorded amendment effect (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
Significantly reformed homelessness legislation by introducing new duties to prevent and relieve homelessness, extending the period of threatened homelessness from 28 to 56 days, and requiring local authorities to assess and develop personalised housing plans.
Key Points
- Prevention duty for all eligible persons threatened with homelessness within 56 days
- Relief duty for all eligible homeless persons regardless of priority need
- Personalised housing plans
- Duty to refer from other public authorities
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2017 — The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 (Commencement and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2018
17 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2025 — Renters’ Rights Act 2025
1 recorded amendment effect (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Frequently asked questions
- What are the main changes introduced by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017?
- The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 significantly reformed homelessness legislation in England and Wales. It introduced new duties for local authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness, extended the definition of being threatened with homelessness, and required authorities to create personalised housing plans for applicants.
- How long do I have before I am considered threatened with homelessness under the new rules?
- Under the Act, a person is considered threatened with homelessness if they are likely to lose their accommodation within 56 days. This period was extended from the previous 28-day threshold, providing a longer window for local authorities to intervene and prevent homelessness.
- What is a personalised housing plan and who creates it?
- Local authorities have a duty to carry out an assessment of the applicant's case and agree on a personalised housing plan. This is a new requirement introduced by the Act to ensure that support is tailored to the specific circumstances of each eligible applicant.
- What is the difference between the prevention duty and the relief duty?
- The Act distinguishes between two main duties. The prevention duty applies to eligible applicants who are threatened with homelessness, requiring authorities to take reasonable steps to help them stay in their current home. The relief duty applies to eligible applicants who are already homeless, requiring authorities to help secure accommodation for them.
- Does the Act require councils to help people who are already homeless?
- Yes, the Act requires local authorities to help secure accommodation for eligible homeless applicants. This relief duty applies to all eligible homeless persons, regardless of whether they have priority need, ensuring that those who have already lost their housing receive assistance to find new accommodation.