It is not possible to say how long you will have to wait for permanent accommodation. Waiting lists are getting increasingly longer and it may be that you will have to wait some time before you are permanently housed.

Your waiting time will depend on:

• the number of points you have been awarded,
• your overall position on the 'waiting list', and
• the availability of the type of accommodation you need in your area of choice.

You are entitled to three reasonable offers of accommodation. The Housing Executive or housing association will decide what makes an offer reasonable. If the Housing Executive or housing association accepts that an offer was unreasonable, it will be disregarded. Previous unreasonable offers will be discounted.

If you don't want to move into the property, you can refuse. If you refuse all three offers and the Housing Executive considers these reasonable offers, you will not be offered any more housing for one year after the date of refusal. If you refuse three reasonable offers, you will also lose some points awarded under the Housing Executive Selection Scheme, such as intimidation, full duty applicant and other homeless points.

If you believe the offer was unreasonable you can use the complaints procedure of the relevant authority. Get advice if you receive an offer that you think is unreasonable. Examples of an unreasonable offer could include:

• the property has not got enough bedrooms,
• you have a medical condition which makes the property unsuitable for you,
• the property is owned by a landlord you stated you did not wish to be housed by,
• the property is unsafe for occupation,
• the property is in serious disrepair,
• you would feel under threat living in the property.

As well as making a reasonable offer, the Housing Executive or housing association has to offer you a property that is suitable for your needs, and the needs of anyone who lives with you. The Housing Executive or housing association should ensure that:

• the accommodation is suitable for the size of your household,
• the accommodation is close to your area of choice,
• any special needs of your household are addressed,
• the accommodation is safe for occupation.

If you feel that the accommodation you have been offered is not suitable to your needs, seek help from a housing adviser – you may be able to challenge the offer.