The interview and what to bring to it

We will conduct the interview in line with our service standards. Your caseworker will take notes.

At the interview you will be asked questions that will help us determine what duty the Council owes to you and your household, and what other advice or support we can give you.

We will discuss your options with you, which include:

  • Mediation
  • Home visits
  • Finding accommodation in the private rented sector
  • Finding a refuge
  • Making your home more secure (Safety First Scheme)
  • Applying to the Housing Register
  • Shared ownership schemes
  • Key Worker schemes

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames continues to comply with it’s duties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. In parallel with our duties, we aim to take measures to prevent homelessness.

Documents to bring to your interview

To investigate any homeless application we require certain information from you. Please bring as many of the documents listed below as you can, because we need to see them before making any offer of emergency accommodation.

Identification for each person on your application

  • Full birth certificate
  • Drivers licence
  • Passport(s)
  • Identity cards
  • Medical cards
  • Marriage certificates
  • Confirmation of Income Support or other welfare benefit
  • National Insurance card or number
  • Home Office documents

Proof of homelessness

  • Eviction notice
  • Notice to quit
  • Letter from landlord/parent/friend/relative, if you have been asked to leave
  • Summons
  • Court order
  • Bailiff’s warrant

Proof of residence

  • Official letters and documents showing the addresses you have lived at for the last five years, for example. rent books, tenancy agreements, Council Tax demands, driving licence, bank statements
  • Medical cards
  • Marriage certificates
  • Credit agreements

Proof of priority need

  • Antenatal card or pregnancy certificate
  • GP/hospital letter or medication details concerning any medical condition
  • Children/child’s full birth certificate
  • Child benefit book
  • Pension book
  • Documents relating to care of your child, e.g. residence orders/parental responsibility agreement
  • Documents that confirm full time attendance at a school or college or training course
  • Divorce papers

Proof of employment, income and savings

  • Employment contract and/or wage slips
  • Building society book or bank statements
  • DWP benefit books or evidence of a claim to the DWP
  • National Insurance card or number
  • Jobseeker's Allowance book or evidence of claim