Intentional Homelessness and Rent Arrears: What It Means

Under section 191(1) you are intentionally homeless if you deliberately did or failed to do something that caused you to stop occupying accommodation, the accommodation was available to you and it would have been reasonable to keep occupying it. source

Non-payment from financial difficulties beyond your control, or Housing Benefit or Universal Credit delays, should generally not be treated as deliberate. Arrears are not intentional where you were genuinely unable to keep up payments even after claiming benefits and no further help was available. Councils must examine why arrears built up and whether you could afford the rent when you took the tenancy. "Wilful and persistent refusal to pay rent" is an example of deliberate conduct. Arrears caused by not knowing about possible benefit entitlement may be made in good faith. source

Each case must be decided individually. You must be given the chance to explain your behaviour. Acts done in good faith without knowing a relevant fact are not deliberate, and acts forced by circumstances such as duress should generally not count. If found intentionally homeless with priority need, you are owed advice and assistance and accommodation for a reasonable period, not the main housing duty. From 30 September 2026 certain care leavers cannot be found intentionally homeless. source