Housing

What is temporary housing?

We may find you a place to stay temporarily while we assess your homeless application.

When we offer interim accommodation 

We may offer you interim accommodation if we have reason to believe 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 interim accommodation.

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

Do I have to pay for interim accommodation?

You will have to pay for elements of interim accommodation, even if you’re not working.

You may 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?

We will try to find a suitable placement for you and your belongings. If you are unable to take all your belongings with you, you will need to put them into storage. Your caseworker may be able to help with this.

Can I take pets with me?

If we believe it is reasonable, we will try to find a placement that will accommodate you and your pets. However, some accommodation like hostels or hotels won't accept pets.

If you can't bring your pets, you may need to get them looked after by friends, family or an animal charity.

Banned breeds will not be accommodated.

Moving on at short notice

We may move you to different accommodation 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 your accommodation, you’ll have to sign a licence agreement. 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 licence, you could be asked to leave and we may end the duty to accommodate you. Read more about licence agreements (Shelter.org.uk).

Can I be asked to leave my accommodation?

You could be ordered to leave accommodation for things like:

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

What happens next?

You should continue to work with your caseworker who will tell you next steps. Failing to engage can result in us ending our housing duty to you.