Temporary accommodation
Types of temporary accommodation
We provide temporary accommodation in:
- privately rented bed and breakfast
- council-owned and managed hostels
- privately rented self-contained houses
- other properties provided by charities and social landlords.
Where you will be placed
We try and find temporary accommodation in the borough, but this is not always possible. If this isn’t possible, we will arrange temporary accommodation for you somewhere else. This could be anywhere in or outside of London.
How long you will stay in temporary accommodation
You will stay in temporary accommodation until we can support you to move into your own accommodation.
The amount of time you will stay in temporary accommodation depends on your circumstances. Many households spend several years in temporary accommodation due to the waiting times for permanent housing. Renting privately can offer you a choice of homes, and the opportunity to find a stable and affordable home, near to your work, family and friends. Find out more about renting privately.
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, when you move into temporary accommodation you will sign either:
- a licence or agreement
- a non-secure tenancy agreement
- an assured shorthold tenancy agreement.
If you don’t you stick to the terms of the agreement, you may have to leave the accommodation.
Paying rent
You must pay for your accommodation if you are working or if you get benefits. We will send you details of how to pay rent within seven days of offering you temporary accommodation.
Find out how to pay your rent.
The quality of temporary accommodation
- We are committed to housing people in suitable temporary accommodation.
- We try to visit as many of the properties used for temporary accommodation as possible to make sure they are suitable.
Report a problem
You should report problems with your temporary accommodation to the property provider directly.