What is temporary housing?

Sometimes we will place you in temporary accommodation while we consider your housing referral. Find out what happens in this short-term placement. 

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When we offer temporary housing

We may provide you with 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 a neighbourhood or area you know.

Can I find my own temporary housing?

Staying in temporary accommodation won't mean you are placed in permanent housing faster. If you can stay with friends or family in the short-term, you should consider that option.

Do I have to pay for temporary housing?

You may have to pay for the temporary accommodation, 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 the amount you have to pay before you move in.

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

Can I take by own furniture and belongings?

You probably won’t be able to take all your belongings into temporary accommodation. You’ll need to arrange for them to go into storage. 

Can I take pets with me?

Most temporary places won’t accept pets. You’ll 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 will always make sure the accommodation is suitable for your household’s needs.

Rules you must agree to

When you move into temporary accommodation, you’ll have to sign an agreement or some ‘house rules’. This agreement 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 decide we don’t have a duty to house you in the long term, you’ll have to leave. We’ll still have a duty to give you advice and assistance.

If we decide we do have a duty to house you in the long term, we'll work with you to find more permanent housing.