Important notes:
•	This letter can be posted, emailed or taken in person to the council
•	Get independent advice.  Shelter’s national helpline is 0808 800 4444.  Or search for a legal aid provider online at https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
•	Information about the help councils must give you is available at http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice
			
[Your address]
Tel: [Your telephone number]
Email: [Your email address]
[Council department, e.g. Housing Options Team]
[Council address]
[Date]

By [hand / post / email to [insert email address]]

Dear Sir/Madam
Homelessness application
I want to apply for housing and for help with finding housing because I am [homeless / at risk of homelessness].
I [lost my housing / am due to lose my current housing] on [date] because [say why you lost or are losing your housing, e.g. I was locked out of my home / a notice from my landlord is expiring / my parents have asked me to move out].
Please:
•	contact me urgently to confirm the date and time of an appointment with a homelessness assessment officer, and
•	confirm in writing that a homelessness application is being taken under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
[Insert the following paragraph if there are other people in your household, who need accommodating with you]
The following people currently live with me:
[Name], aged [age], my [describe relationship to you, e.g. partner / father / daughter / carer etc]
[Name], aged [age], my [relationship to you] 
[Insert the following paragraph only if you wish to live people who aren’t currently living with you]
The following people would live with me if I had suitable housing:
[Name], aged [age], my [describe relationship to you, e.g. partner / father / daughter / carer etc]
[Name], aged [age], my [relationship to you]
I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Yours faithfully

[Your name]