Temporary accommodation

Types of temporary accommodation

This can range from the emergency use of bed and breakfast hotels and hostels to accommodation managed by private agents and housing associations. We also make referrals to supported temporary accommodation for people with special needs. The type of accommodation arranged for you will depend on your own circumstances and the amount of notice we have regarding your homelessness and availability of other options.

Where will the temporary accommodation be?

We will try to find you accommodation in an area of your choice but this cannot be guaranteed as we can only place people in properties where there are vacancies.

How long will I be in temporary accommodation?

Normally until we make a decision on your homeless application. If we accept a duty to you we will continue to provide temporary accommodation until a more permanent solution is found. If we decide we do not have a duty towards you we will ask you to leave the accommodation but offer advice of your housing options.

There is a severe shortage of social housing in our areas with very high demand. Not everyone we accept a duty to is provided with this social housing. We may discharge our duty by finding you accommodation in the private rented sector where there is often more choice and availability.

What charges will there be?

You may be eligible for housing benefit to help meet the cost of bed and breakfast accommodation. We can assist you in completing a housing benefit application form but you must make sure that you supply all the documents needed to support your application.

Even if you are on a low income you may still have to pay towards costs not covered by any housing benefit awarded. Some types of temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast hotels are expensive and not all the costs will be met by housing benefit. We will pay the owner for your accommodation and then recharge you accordingly.

If we have to assist you with any storage or removal fees you will also be required to repay these in full.

Can my temporary accommodation be cancelled at any time?

Yes, but only if you do not:

• Keep appointments with us
• Provide requested documents
• Take reasonable care of the accommodation
• Accept other offers of interim or temporary accommodation made to you
• Pay the charges you are requested to
• Stay in your room at night
• Move into any suitable offer of accommodation available to you if we have accepted a duty to you

You and any guests visiting you must abide by the proprietors' house rules and not cause nuisance to any other resident. Failure to do so will also mean that you are asked to leave.

Can I take my pets with me?

Some types of temporary accommodation do not allow pets so you may need to find temporary homes for them.