Understanding Emergency and Temporary Housing
Emergency and temporary housing are types of short-term accommodation provided to people who have nowhere safe to stay. These options are designed to give immediate shelter while you look for a more stable, long-term home.
You may need emergency housing if you are homeless, have been evicted, are fleeing domestic abuse, or face another urgent housing crisis. Families with children, people with disabilities, and vulnerable adults are often prioritised for this kind of support.
Local councils play a key role in offering emergency and temporary accommodation. If you approach your council for help, they must assess your situation. In many cases, they have a legal duty to provide you with a safe place to stay while your long-term housing needs are reviewed.
It’s important to understand the difference between emergency, temporary, and permanent housing:
- Emergency housing is provided immediately, often on the same day, to make sure you have a roof over your head. This might be a hotel, hostel, or bed and breakfast.
- Temporary housing is accommodation you stay in while the council looks for a more suitable, longer-term solution. This can last weeks or even months.
- Permanent housing is your final, stable home – such as a council or housing association property – where you can settle for the long term.
The types of housing the council may offer can depend on your specific situation and the laws that apply. For more details on how councils decide what accommodation to provide, see Types of Housing the Council May Offer.
If you want to learn more about your rights and options for housing support in general, visit our Housing Assistance: Legal Overview for the UK page. This gives a broader picture of the help available if you are struggling with housing issues.
Legal Rights to Emergency and Temporary Housing
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the UK, you have important legal rights. The law requires local councils to help people who do not have a safe place to stay. This support is designed to protect you and your family while you work towards finding a permanent home.
Your Rights Under UK Law
The main law covering your rights is the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This Act means councils must take steps to prevent homelessness and provide help if you are already homeless. You have the right to ask your local council for help if you are:
- Already homeless
- About to lose your home within 56 days
The council must assess your situation and explain what help they can offer.
When Councils Must Provide Temporary Accommodation
Councils have a duty to provide temporary accommodation in certain situations. This usually happens if you are:
- Homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness
- Eligible for public assistance (usually based on your immigration status)
- In “priority need” (for example, you have children, are pregnant, or are vulnerable due to age or health)
If you meet these criteria, the council must offer you temporary housing while they look into your application. For more details on when this duty applies, see When the Council Must Rehouse You: Main Housing Duty.
Types of Temporary Housing
Temporary accommodation can take different forms. Councils may offer:
- Bed and breakfast hotels
- Hostels
- Self-contained flats or houses
- Supported housing for people with extra needs
The type of housing depends on what is available and your personal circumstances. Councils must make sure the accommodation is suitable for you and your family. Official guidance on what counts as “suitable” is set out in the Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities – Chapter 17: Suitability of accommodation – Guidance – GOV.UK.
How Priority Status Affects Your Entitlement
Your priority status affects what help you get. If you are in priority need, the council has stronger legal duties to house you. Priority need includes:
- Households with dependent children
- Pregnant women
- People made homeless by fire, flood, or disaster
- People who are vulnerable due to old age, mental illness, or disability
If you are not in priority need, the council still has to give you advice and support, but they may not have to offer you temporary accommodation.
Support and Advice During Temporary Housing
While you are in temporary accommodation, the council must continue to support you. This includes:
- Keeping you informed about your housing application
- Helping you find longer-term housing
- Making sure your temporary home remains suitable
You should receive clear information about your rights and what to expect during this period. If you have concerns about the accommodation or the support you are getting, ask your council for a review or seek independent advice.
Understanding your legal rights can help you get the support you need during a difficult time. Remember, you are entitled to help and advice while you work towards a stable, permanent home.
How to Apply for Emergency and Temporary Housing
If you need emergency or temporary housing, your first step is to contact your local council. Councils are responsible for helping people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. You can usually find contact details for your council on their website, or by visiting your local council offices in person.
What Information and Documents You Need
When you apply, you’ll need to provide information about your situation. This helps the council assess your needs and eligibility. Be prepared to share:
- Proof of your identity (such as a passport or driving licence)
- Details about your current living situation
- Information about everyone in your household
- Evidence of your income and savings
- Any documents showing why you are homeless or at risk (such as an eviction notice or a letter from your landlord)
If you are fleeing domestic abuse or another emergency, let the council know as soon as possible. They may be able to offer extra support and keep your information confidential.
The Assessment Process
Once you apply, the council will carry out an assessment. This involves reviewing your documents and asking questions about your circumstances. They will decide if you are eligible for emergency or temporary accommodation. The council considers factors such as:
- If you are legally homeless or about to become homeless
- If you have a priority need (for example, if you have children, are pregnant, or are vulnerable due to age or disability)
- If you have a local connection to the area
You can learn more about the laws and options that may affect your situation by reading our guide on how to apply for council housing.
What Happens Next
If the council decides you are eligible, they must offer you suitable emergency or temporary accommodation. This might be a hostel, bed and breakfast, or self-contained flat. The type of accommodation depends on your needs and what is available locally.
You may be placed in temporary accommodation while the council investigates your application further or helps you find a more permanent home. The length of your stay can vary – from a few days to several months – depending on your circumstances and the availability of permanent housing.
During this time, the council should keep you informed about your case and what steps you need to take. If you are unsure about any part of the process or need additional support, you can also explore resources like the Housing Choice Voucher Tenants page on HUD.gov, which offers practical advice on applying for housing assistance.
What to Expect
While in temporary accommodation, you have certain rights and responsibilities. You should receive clear information about your accommodation, any rules you need to follow, and the support available to you. The council will continue working with you to find a long-term solution, such as social housing or assistance in renting privately.
If you are unhappy with the accommodation provided or if your situation changes, let the council know as soon as possible. They may be able to review your case or offer further help.
Remember, applying for emergency or temporary housing can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Councils and support agencies are there to help you through each step of the process.
Support Available While in Temporary Housing
When you are placed in temporary accommodation, you are entitled to more than just a roof over your head. Local councils and support organisations offer a range of services to help you during this challenging time.
Accessing Support Services
While in temporary housing, you may be offered help with daily living needs. This can include advice on managing your tenancy, support with budgeting, or assistance accessing healthcare and education for your family. Many councils also provide links to local charities and organisations that can offer additional support, such as food banks or mental health services. If you have specific needs – such as a disability, mental health condition, or substance misuse issues – you can ask for specialist help or be referred to appropriate services.
If you are at risk of homelessness or need extra guidance, you can explore further homelessness support to understand your rights and the help available.
Finding Permanent Housing
Temporary accommodation is not a long-term solution. While you are staying there, your council should support you in finding permanent housing. This may involve being added to a housing register, receiving updates about available social housing, or getting advice on private renting. Housing officers can explain your options, help you fill out application forms, and advise you on bidding for properties.
If your needs are more complex, such as requiring extra care or support, you might benefit from supported and specialist housing options. These services offer tailored accommodation and support for people with particular needs, such as older adults, young people leaving care, or those with disabilities.
Financial Support and Benefits
Being in temporary accommodation can be stressful financially. You may be eligible for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help cover your rent. It’s important to claim as soon as possible to avoid falling into arrears. The government provides clear guidance on how to claim Housing Benefit, including what information you need and how to apply.
If you are fleeing domestic abuse, there are specific financial and housing help for domestic abuse victims that can provide extra support during your stay in temporary accommodation.
Where to Get More Help
Remember, you do not have to manage this situation alone. Local councils, charities, and advice services exist to support you every step of the way. Whether you need practical help, financial advice, or emotional support, there are resources available to help you move from temporary accommodation into a safe and stable home.
Special Considerations and Additional Housing Options
If you have specific needs or circumstances, there are additional housing options and protections to consider while you are in emergency or temporary accommodation.
Temporary Housing for People with Disabilities
If you or someone in your household has a disability, the council must consider your needs when providing temporary housing. This could include step-free access, adapted bathrooms, or extra space for mobility aids. You have the right to request reasonable adjustments to make your accommodation suitable. If you feel your needs are not being met, learn more about your rights and how to request accessible housing in our guide on disability adjustments and accessible housing.
Moving On: Social Housing Options
Emergency accommodation is only a short-term solution. Once your immediate housing needs are met, you may be able to apply for social housing as a longer-term option. Social housing is managed by local councils or housing associations and is often more affordable than private renting. To find out if you qualify and how to apply, see our simple guide to applying for social housing in the UK.
Housing for Victims of Domestic Abuse
If you are fleeing domestic abuse, you have the right to safe and confidential housing. Councils can refer you to specialist refuge accommodation, which offers support and security for you and your family. For more details about how refuge housing works and how to access it, visit our page on refuge housing for domestic abuse. You may also be eligible for financial help and other support – read more about accessing safe housing and accommodation as a domestic abuse victim.
Supported Housing and Other Options
Some people benefit from supported housing, which provides extra help on top of accommodation. For example, sheltered housing is designed for older people or those with certain health needs, offering a safe environment with support services on site. Other types of supported housing might be available if you have mental health needs or are a young person leaving care.
Finding More Information
Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Each type of housing has its own rules and application processes, so it’s important to get advice tailored to your situation. If you have questions about your rights or the best option for you, consider speaking to your local council or a housing adviser. You can also explore the related guides linked above for more detailed information.
Getting Further Help and Advice
If you need more support with emergency or temporary housing, free legal advice is available from several trusted sources. Many local councils have housing officers who can explain your rights and help you apply for accommodation. You can find your local council’s contact details on their official website or by calling your local authority directly.
Housing charities such as Shelter and Citizens Advice offer confidential advice on your housing rights. They can help you understand your options, guide you through the application process, and support you if you’re facing homelessness. These organisations often have helplines and online chat services, making it easy to get help when you need it.
If you believe your rights are not being met – for example, if you are refused emergency accommodation when you qualify, or if you’re being threatened with eviction – there are steps you can take to escalate your case. Start by making a formal complaint to your local council. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman or seek legal advice from a specialist housing solicitor.
For situations involving eviction or if you’re unsure about your legal position, it’s helpful to understand the broader laws that protect tenants. You can find more information about where to get help and support in related areas by visiting Where to Get Help and Support.
Other useful resources include:
- Shelter’s free helpline: 0808 800 4444
- Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848 (England) or 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
- Local council housing departments (search online for your local authority)
If you have questions about your rights, need help understanding your next steps, or want to take action – such as writing to your council or making a complaint – Contend’s AI Legal Assistant can support you. It can provide clear, personalised answers about emergency and temporary housing, guide you through your options, and help you draft letters or documents tailored to your situation. Use Contend to get the clarity and confidence you need to move forward with your housing issue.
