Housing Advice Service (Barking & Dagenham Council)

About this service

Barking and Dagenham Council's Housing Advice Service provides comprehensive support to anyone facing housing difficulties or homelessness. The service helps residents prevent homelessness through early advice and support, guides people through housing options, and can provide temporary accommodation while your case is assessed. The Homeless Prevention Service operates across multiple locations rather than a single office, ensuring you can access support locally. Services include housing rights advice, homelessness prevention, emergency housing support, and connection to specialist support like legal advice through Citizens Advice Bureau, national organisations like Shelter, and support for rough sleepers.

How they can help you

Staff will listen to your housing situation and help you understand your options. They can advise on preventing homelessness, help you apply for social housing, explain your housing rights, arrange emergency temporary accommodation if needed, and connect you with specialist support services.

What to expect

You'll have an appointment (call to arrange) where you'll speak with an advisor about your housing situation. They're there to listen without judgment and help you find a practical way forward. Response times are kept as short as possible.

What to bring

Bring any documents that help describe your situation: tenancy agreements, eviction notices, benefit letters, proof of income, or ID. If you have nothing, come anyway—advisors can still help.

Who it's for

Anyone in Barking and Dagenham facing housing difficulties: those at risk of eviction, currently homeless or sleeping rough, needing temporary accommodation, wanting to access social housing, or seeking housing rights advice. The service is for everyone, regardless of immigration status if you're eligible.

Getting support

Eligibility

Must be a resident or have a connection to Barking and Dagenham. Some services may be restricted based on immigration status or local connection—call for clarification.

services.opening_hours

Monday to Friday 9am–5pm (appointment-only). Out of hours (evenings, weekends): 020 8215 3000

Referral requirements

You can contact this service directly without a referral.

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