Prevention duty
Your caseworker will work with you to prevent you from becoming homeless if both of the following apply:
- you are eligible for housing help
- you have satisfied your caseworker that you are at risk of losing your home within 56 days
About the prevention duty
The prevention duty places a duty on the council to help people who:
- are eligible for housing help
- have been assessed as at risk of becoming homeless in Birmingham
If you are awarded a prevention duty, it means that your caseworker must take reasonable steps to prevent you from becoming homeless.
What happens during the prevention duty
During the prevention duty, we can help you to remain in your home. If that is not possible, we will explore a range of housing options to help you find alternative housing.
As part of the prevention duty, your caseworker will develop a personalised housing plan with you. This will include actions we will take to support you and actions you need to take to try and prevent you from becoming homeless.
How long the prevention duty lasts
The prevention duty normally ends after 56 days (8 weeks). If your caseworker has not been able to secure alternative housing for you by this time, the duty can continue for longer in some cases.
If you do not secure housing during the prevention stage
If you lose your current housing and are unable to secure alternative housing during the prevention stage, then we will owe you a relief duty.
Page last updated: 16 May 2023
