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If the Housing Executive thinks you are homeless, you may be entitled to temporary accommodation until the investigation is complete. If the Housing Executive decides you are homeless you will get Full Duty Applicant status, and temporary accommodation until permanent accommodation is available.
If your homeless status was awarded on account of a restricted person in your household, the Housing Executive will only give you one offer of private rented accommodation, with a tenancy term of at least twelve months.
When can I get temporary accommodation?
You may be entitled to temporary accommodation from the Housing Executive in four cases:
- if the Housing Executive decides that you are homeless and believes that you may be in priority need,
- if you are homeless intentionally but in priority need, although in this instance you may only be offered temporary accommodation for a short period to allow you to find alternative accommodation,
- if you are waiting for the Housing Executive to review a decision on homelessness
- while waiting for permanent accommodation.
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What will temporary accommodation be like?
The temporary accommodation provided by the Housing Executive should be suitable for your needs. The Housing Executive could place you in
- a hostel managed by the Housing Executive,
- a hostel managed by a voluntary body,
- a self contained unit in the private rented sector, known as a “single let”.
The Housing Executive will usually try to use its own accommodation. In family hostels and self contained flats, you will not have to share cooking and washing facilities. If you are a single person, you may be placed in a hostel with shared facilities.
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Do I have to stay in the temporary accommodation I'm offered?
You do not have to stay in the temporary accommodation provided by the Housing Executive. You can also stay with friends or family. If you are a Full Duty Applicant you may want to consider renting privately.
If you decide to rent privately while waiting for an offer of permanent accommodation you need to get permission from the Housing Executive. If you decide to take on a temporary tenancy in the private rented sector try to find a landlord who will accept a tenancy term of 6 months. The Housing Executive may consider a longer tenancy as suitable permanent accommodation. If this happens, you could lose your Full Duty Applicant status.
If you are going to rent privately while waiting for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive you should get advice from the Housing Executive or an advice agency.
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Will the temporary accommodation be suitable?
The temporary accommodation does not have to be ideal. However, the Housing Executive will try to ensure that the temporary accommodation:
- is a suitable size for you and anyone that usually lives with you,
- is in reasonable condition, reasonably furnished and accessible for people with a disability,
- takes account of your welfare, and the welfare of anyone that usually lives with you.
While the Housing Executive will try to find you suitable temporary accommodation locally, if there is no local accommodation available you may be offered accommodation in another area of Northern Ireland.
If you feel the temporary accommodation offered by the Housing Executive is unreasonable, you can challenge this offer by means of your statutory right to request a review.
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Will I have to pay?
You will have to pay rent for your 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.
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What happens to my personal belongings?
If you are in temporary accommodation the Housing Executive will store your belongings if there is a danger these may be damaged or lost. The Housing Executive won't charge you for storing your belongings.
The Housing Executive won't accept responsibility for any damage when your belongings are in storage. Keep an inventory of your belongings in case you want to make a claim against the storage firm involved.
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What if I have problems in the temporary accommodation?
If you are having problems (for example other residents are harassing you) in your temporary accommodation, tell the Housing Executive as soon as possible. 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;
- persistent failure to observe the rules and regulations of the temporary accommodation.
Get advice if you are being asked to leave temporary accommodation.
If you are unsure of your rights you should also get advice. An adviser will be able to tell you what your options are. Advice is available from Housing Rights Service.
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Homelessness Checklist
