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What is temporary housing?

We may place you in temporary housing while we assess your homeless application.

When we offer temporary housing

We may offer you temporary housing if you and your household:

Where will I be placed?

You could be placed in a hostel or a private housing. You may have to share a kitchen or bathroom.

We’ll make sure the accommodation is suitable for you. However, it's likely to be smaller than a settled home and may not be in an area you know.

Can I find my own temporary housing?

You should try to stay with friends or family in the short-term, if possible. If you do stay with friends or family, we will consider you ‘homeless at home’ and give you the same support as you would get in temporary housing.

Staying in temporary accommodation won't give you access to permanent housing any faster. 

Do I have to pay for temporary housing?

You will have to pay for temporary housing, even if you’re not working.

You may also have to pay a service charge to cover things like electricity and gas. We’ll tell you how much you have to pay before you move in.

Your Housing Officer will help you claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

Can I take my own furniture and belongings?

It is unlikely you will be able to take all your belongings with you. You’ll need to put them into storage. 

Can I take pets with me?

Most temporary places won’t accept pets. You may need to get your pets looked after by friends, family or an animal charity.

Moving on at short notice

We may move you to different temporary housing at short notice. This will depend on demand and availability across the city. We always make sure the accommodation is suitable for your needs.

Rules you must agree to

When you move into temporary accommodation, you’ll have to sign an agreement. This agreement which will cover things like:

  • how you’re expected to behave
  • rules about visitors
  • how much you’re expected to pay

If you break the terms of your agreement, you could be evicted.

Can I be evicted?

You can be evicted from temporary housing for things like:

  • anti-social behaviour
  • not paying the rent, or paying it late on a regular basis
  • refusing an offer of suitable, more permanent accommodation

If you’re evicted it will affect our decision about:

  • your homelessness application
  • whether we still have a duty to help you

What happens next?

If we don’t have a duty to house you in the long term, you’ll have to leave. We’ll still give you advice and assistance.

If we do have a duty to house you in the long term, we will make every effort to relieve your homelessness. We'll work with you to find more affordable and suitable housing.

You must also take steps to find accommodation that you agree with your caseworker.