Julie,(posted 7813 days ago)Purely for the purpose of offerig advice to your friend in need, I can confirm as a very recent ex Housing Officer for one very large Authority they DO NOT carry out credit checks (too expensive and time consuming) relying mostly on the information you provide when you apply for housing. What she has to prove is that she did not make herself intentionally homelss. This is where their refusal to rehouse people with arrears comes in. If she simply couldnt afford the repayments anymore then this is not classed as intentional homelessness and is quite a common reason for ex-homeowners to apply for Council Housing. It is reasonable to apply fo help because you couldn't afford to continue payments on your old home. Also, as stated byt he previous reply your COuncil have a DUTY to re-house homeless families who are not intentionally homeless. If she needs anymore advice at all, you can email me directly andI'll be happyto assist any way I can.