Temporary Accommodation
The Council must make sure that you have somewhere to live while it assesses your application. This may mean that it arranges somewhere for you – a bed and breakfast hotel, hostel, flat or house. If you have children or are pregnant, you can only stay in a bed and breakfast if it is an emergency and nothing else is available. Even then, the Council can usually only house you there for a maximum of six weeks.
What if the accommodation is unsuitable?
If what the Council offers you is unsuitable you should tell the Council why. Don’t refuse the offer without speaking to an independent adviser first. You can move into the property and still ask the Council to review its offer. If the Council doesn’t change its decision, contact your local advice centre or call our helpline to check whether there is anything you can do to get more suitable accommodation.
The Council may agree to you staying with friends or relatives instead, but you should check how this will affect your rights before you decide to do so. Check with a local advice centre. The Council also have a duty to look after your possessions but can make a reasonable charge for this.
When the Council finishes its enquiries, it must write to tell you what its decision is and give reasons if it decides not to provide you with longer-term accommodation.
Paying for short-term accommodation
You may have to pay towards the cost of the short-term accommodation. The charges must be reasonable. If you feel they are not, contact an independent advice centre in your area. If you are on benefits or a low income, you might be able to claim Housing Benefit to help pay for the accommodation.
