Temporary accommodation

Find out about temporary accommodation for homeless people.

What is temporary accommodation?

Temporary accommodation is interim housing for residents who have made a homelessness application to us. If you meet our application criteria, you will likely be placed in hostel accommodation while we assess your application. You may then be moved into private sector leased accommodation as the next stage. Once your application is successful, you can start bidding for permanent housing through FindYourHome.

We are responsible for your housing application, property allocations, property reviews, and bidding for permanent accommodation.

Types of temporary accommodation

We provide temporary accommodation in:

Nightly paid accommodation – typically short-term bed and breakfast stays.
Hostels – kitchen and bedroom units with shared bathroom facilities.
Private sector leased properties – owned by private landlords but managed by us.
Other properties – provided by charities and social landlords.

Where you will be placed

We try to find temporary accommodation within the borough, but this is not always possible. If necessary, we will arrange accommodation elsewhere, which could be anywhere in or outside of London.

How long you will stay

You will stay in temporary accommodation until we can support you in moving into your own home. Many households spend several years in temporary accommodation due to waiting times for permanent housing. Renting privately can offer more choice and stability near work, family, and friends.

If we decide we no longer have a duty to provide housing for you, we may ask you to leave temporary accommodation.

Temporary accommodation agreements

Depending on the property, you will sign one of the following agreements:

A licence or agreement
A non-secure tenancy agreement
An assured shorthold tenancy agreement

If you do not follow the terms of your agreement, you may have to leave the accommodation.

Paying Rent

You must pay for your accommodation whether you are working or receiving benefits. You will receive details on how to pay rent within 10 days of moving in. If you do not receive this letter, please contact us.

How to Pay Your Rent

Standing order – Set up a standing order using the following details:

Bank: Barclays Bank Plc
Account Name: London Borough of Lewisham
Sort Code: 20 00 00
Account Number: 93380513
Reference: Your 10-digit rent account number

BACS payment – Use the bank details above and your rent account number as the reference.
Rent payment card – Pay at any post office or PayPoint using cash or debit/credit card.
Phone – Call 0800 028 2028 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm) or use the touch-tone card payment service at 020 8690 8707 (available 24/7).
Online resident portal – Sign up to view your rent statement and current balance, and order a rent card.

Difficulties paying rent

If you are struggling to pay rent, you may qualify for Housing Benefit. You can also get free employment support from Lewisham Works.

For advice on benefits, contact our Welfare Benefits Team at 0800 028 2028 or email welfarebenefits@lewisham.gov.uk.

Repairs and maintenance

Hostel residents – Log repairs through our housing services portal or call 0800 028 2028.
Private sector leased accommodation – Contact the maintenance contractor listed in your tenancy pack. If you do not have this information, call 0800 028 2028.

Lost fobs

Find out more about replacement fobs.

Antisocial behaviour

If you need to report antisocial behaviour, contact your Housing Officer.

Advice and support

Some residents need extra support due to age, disability, mental health, or substance use. The Adult Social Care Advice & Information Team can arrange additional support based on individual needs.

Ending your tenancy and moving out

If you are moving out, return your keys to the managing agents if you are in nightly paid or PMA accommodation. Email TAincome@lewisham.gov.uk with details of your move-out date and time.

For hostel and PSL accommodation, return keys to the Council. You are responsible for rent until the keys are returned. Use our online form to end your tenancy in temporary accommodation.

Quality of temporary accommodation

We are committed to providing suitable temporary accommodation. We try to visit as many properties as possible to ensure they meet standards. If you experience issues, report them directly to your property provider.

For further enquiries:

Temporary Accommodation Team: temphousing@lewisham.gov.uk | 0800 028 2028
Income Officer (Rent Enquiries): 0800 028 2028

Published on: 12/09/2023