If your flat isn't fire safe

If you’ve been told your home would be unsafe if there was a fire, your landlord might ask you to leave until safety is improved.

If you’re asked to move out

Your landlord might ask you to move out while they complete works if they need the flat to be empty. If this happens, ask your landlord:

• how long the works will take

• if they'll suspend rent payments

• whether they’ll provide somewhere else to stay

If you refuse to leave

You should only stay in your home if you have no other option - your home could be unsafe.

Ask your landlord what work they plan to do and how long it is expected to take. Explain why you can’t leave - for example if you have an illness that makes it difficult to leave your home.

If you think the works could be done without you needing to leave - ask your landlord for proof that the works need you to leave.

Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if your landlord is trying to make you leave - an adviser can help work out the best steps to take.

If your landlord uses threatening behaviour to make you leave, report them to the police and contact your nearest Citizens Advice. You might be able to take your landlord to court to stop the eviction or claim damages.

If you’re getting benefits

You’ll need to ask your landlord to suspend rent payments while you’re out of the property, or pay for the alternative accommodation.

You’ll also need to report a change in circumstances - find out how to report a change on GOV.UK

If you get Housing Benefit, you can leave your home under a ‘temporary absence rule’ for up to 13 weeks without affecting your claim - you’ll need to tell your Local Authority that you’ve moved out temporarily.

Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if you’re worried about how leaving your home temporarily might affect any benefits you get.