What to Expect at an ARC Appointment

An ARC appointment is a meeting with your local authority to discuss housing, homelessness, or housing-related support

ARC stands for Assessment and Review Centre, and it is run by your local council's housing department. You attend in person to talk about your housing situation — whether you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or need help finding a place to live. The staff member you meet with will ask questions about your circumstances, listen to what you need, and explain what support or housing options might be available to you through the council.

The appointment is not a formal hearing or a test you can pass or fail. It is a conversation designed to understand your situation so the council can point you toward the right help. You will leave with information about next steps, which may include being placed on a housing register, referred to temporary housing, or connected to other support services.

Key Takeaways

• Bring proof of identity, proof of address (if you have one), and any documents about your housing situation, such as an eviction notice or a letter from your landlord.
• Be honest and specific about your circumstances — the staff member needs accurate information to help you, and nothing you say will be used against you.
• The appointment usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and you can bring a friend, family member, or support worker with you.
• You will receive a written record of what was discussed and what the council will do next, usually within a few days of your appointment.

What documents to bring

Bring a form of photo ID — a passport, driving licence, or national ID card. If you have a current address, bring a recent bill or bank statement showing your name and address. If you do not have a fixed address, bring anything that shows where you have been staying, such as a letter from a hostel or a friend's confirmation that you have been living with them.

If you are facing eviction, bring the eviction notice or letter from your landlord. If you have been asked to leave by a family member or friend, bring any written communication about that. If you have a disability, health condition, or caring responsibilities that affect your housing needs, bring any relevant letters from your doctor, social services, or support organisation. The council uses these documents to understand your situation and to prioritise your case if you need urgent help.

What to expect during the appointment

You will be called into a private room with a housing officer or adviser. They will ask you about your current housing situation, how long you have been in that situation, and why you need help. They will ask about your income, your employment, any dependents, and any health or support needs. This is not a test — they are gathering information so they can understand what you need.

The conversation will cover what options might be available to you. This could include being added to the housing register to bid for council housing, being offered temporary accommodation if you are homeless or at immediate risk, or being referred to other services such as debt advice, employment support, or mental health services. The officer will explain what each option means and what you would need to do next.

You can ask questions at any point. If you do not understand something, say so. If you want to bring up something you did not mention at the start, you can do that too. The appointment is your chance to make sure the council understands your full situation.

How long the appointment takes and what happens after

Most ARC appointments last between 30 and 60 minutes. If your situation is complex or you have a lot to discuss, it may run longer. There is no fixed time limit — the officer will take as long as needed to understand your case.

Before you leave, you should be given a written summary of what was discussed and what the council will do next. This might be a letter, a form, or a printout. Keep this document — it is your record of the appointment and the decisions made. If the council said they would contact you, ask how long that will take and what number or address to use if you need to follow up.

If you are offered temporary housing, you may be asked to make a decision on the spot or given a deadline to respond. If you are unsure, ask if you can have time to think about it, or ask if you can speak to an adviser before deciding.

Bringing support with you

You can bring another person to your appointment — a friend, family member, support worker, or adviser from a housing charity. Tell the council when you book or arrive that you are bringing someone. They will be allowed in the room with you.

Your support person can help you explain your situation, take notes, or just be there for moral support. They cannot speak for you unless you ask them to, but they can help you remember what was said and what you agreed to. If you are worried about the appointment or find it hard to talk about your situation, having someone you trust there can make a real difference.

If you cannot attend or need to reschedule

Contact the council as soon as you know you cannot make the appointment. Most councils will reschedule you without penalty. If you have a genuine reason — illness, a hospital appointment, childcare falling through — explain it when you call. The council understands that life happens, and they would rather reschedule than have you miss the appointment.

If you miss an appointment without contacting the council, they may close your case or delay helping you. If that happens, contact them again and explain why you missed it. You can usually ask for another appointment.

What happens if you disagree with the council's decision

If the council tells you they cannot help you, or if you disagree with what they have offered, you have the right to ask them to explain their decision in writing. You can also ask for a review of the decision, which means a different officer will look at your case again.

If you think the council has made a mistake or treated you unfairly, you can make a complaint to the council's complaints team. You can also contact a housing advice service or charity for help understanding your options. Many councils have a list of local housing charities and advice services they can give you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to an ARC appointment if the council asks me to?

You are not legally required to attend, but if you do not go, the council may not be able to help you or may close your case. If you have a genuine reason you cannot attend, contact them and explain. They can usually reschedule or arrange a phone appointment instead.

What if I do not have a fixed address to put on forms?

You can use the address of a hostel, a day centre, a friend's house, or even a post office box if you have one. If you are sleeping rough, tell the council that when you arrive at the appointment. They will still see you and will not turn you away because you do not have an address.

Can I bring a solicitor or legal representative to my appointment?

Yes, you can bring a solicitor, housing adviser, or legal representative. Tell the council when you book that you are bringing a legal representative. They will be allowed in the room with you and can speak on your behalf if you ask them to.

Will the council help me if I have rent arrears or a bad tenancy history?

The council's job is to help people in housing need, regardless of past rent arrears or tenancy problems. Be honest about your history at the appointment. The council may ask you to work with a support service or to agree to a payment plan, but having arrears will not automatically disqualify you from help.

How long does it take to get housed after an ARC appointment?

This varies widely depending on your situation and your local area. If you are in immediate danger or homeless, you may be offered temporary housing within days. If you are being added to the housing register, it may take months or years to be offered a permanent home, depending on demand in your area and your priority band.