Even when you get your Full Duty Applicant status, it may take some time for the Housing Executive to find you a permanent home. The Housing Executive will have a duty to offer you temporary accommodation until permanent accommodation is available.

Temporary accommodation from the Housing Executive will usually be:

• a hostel managed by the Housing Executive,
• a hostel managed by a voluntary body,
• a single let.

The Housing Executive will usually try to use its own accommodation. You may have to share facilities like bathrooms and kitchens with other residents. If you are staying in hostel accommodation you may have to share a bedroom.

Prisoners often find themselves in temporary accommodation, such as hostels, when they leave prison. You may have to pay towards food and service charges in the temporary accommodation.

You may be able to get housing benefit to help you cover the cost of your temporary accommodation. You should apply for housing benefit as soon as possible. Hostel staff will be able to assist you with your application.

If you are having any problems in your temporary accommodation, such as harassment or bullying by other residents, you should tell the Housing Executive as soon as possible.

Keep in mind also that you can be asked to leave temporary accommodation if you have been involved in antisocial activity, such as:

• physical attack or harassment of a resident,
• theft or vandalism,
• using the accommodation for criminal purposes,
• failure to adhere to rules and regulations of the temporary accommodation.

If you have concerns about your temporary accommodation or lack of offers from the Housing Executive, seek help from advice organisations such as Housing Rights Service.