Temporary accommodation

Temporary accommodation – What to expect

Temporary accommodation is used to temporarily house people who are homeless whilst we try and relieve their homelessness, investigate the reasons for their homelessness or where we have accepted a main housing duty to an applicant.

If you have approached the Council as homeless and are placed in accommodation, the following FAQs may answer some of the questions you may have about what to expect whist you are in temporary accommodation.  

What types of accommodation does the Council use?

We use a range of temporary accommodation and this can include in a real emergency and for very short placements, hotels, but we generally use a mix of shared and self-contained private accommodation.  The property you are placed in depends on your circumstances and what is available. We will inform you if we need you to move into a different type of property. This could be at short notice (sometimes on the same day).

If you do not provide me with long term accommodation, how long can I stay in the temporary accommodation?

If we are unable to relieve your homelessness, then we will make inquiries into the reasons for your homelessness and these are completed in line with laws set by government which define who we have a responsibility to provide housing for. We look into the reasons you are homeless and only provide housing to people who meet the criteria set by these laws. If we find we have no responsibility to provide you with accommodation, we will write to inform you of this and when you need to leave the temporary accommodation. 

What support does the Council offer to help me to find my own accommodation? 

The Council will try and relieve your homelessness, and can do this with an offer of private rented accommodation, because Social housing is in short supply. Therefore it is often finding your own home in the private rented sector is often a faster way to get housing.

We offer a Bond Scheme and Rent Deposit Scheme, both of which can help you find a private rented property. Ask your Case Officer about these funds.

What assistance will I receive if the council accepts a duty to house me?

If we find that we are responsible for housing you, we will provide you with long term accommodation. This can be an offer of a private rented property or a social rented property. We will continue to provide you with temporary accommodation until you are offered a property.

We do not know how long it can take for our customers to be offered a social rented property. You can check the letting results on Kent Homechoice, the properties which have been let, and the band and waiting time of the successful applicant.

Do I have to pay for temporary accommodation?

Yes. None of the temporary accommodation is provided free. You will be expected to pay a weekly charge. If you are on a low income you will need to claim Housing Benefit. Even if Housing Benefit covers most of the charge you may still be liable for some charges. If you do not make sure the weekly charge is paid in full you can be evicted from your temporary housing. This may result in the Council finding you intentionally homeless. If this happens the Council will not have any obligation to house you and you will have to find your own place to live.

How long am I likely to stay in temporary accommodation?

Provided you pay your rent and comply with the agreement that you sign when the council places you, you can remain in the accommodation provided for you. You will only be asked to leave if the council decides it does not have to help you any longer. 

If you refuse suitable emergency or temporary accommodation then the council may discharge any duties it owes you and ask you to leave.

If we are unable to relieve your homelessness, and decide that we do not have to help you find settled accommodation, either because you are not eligible, not in a priority need category or because you became homeless intentionally, you will be required to leave. We will give you reasonable notice and advice and assistance to secure other accommodation of your own.

If your application is accepted, you can continue to stay in temporary accommodation until a permanent home is secured for you, whether with a housing association or in the private sector.

Do I have the same accommodation for my entire stay in temporary accommodation?

We cannot guarantee that you will have the same accommodation for your entire stay in temporary accommodation, you may be asked to move at very short notice. 

Why do you have rules?

We have rules so all our customers know what is expected from them during their stay in temporary accommodation.

What happens if I don’t stay in the temporary accommodation?

If there is a reason you will not be using the accommodation, even if it is just for a night, you must inform us and discuss the reason why you will not be staying. If you are not staying, this may affect your benefits, however we do allow people not to stay in certain circumstances, so please discuss with your case officer.    

Can you end my accommodation?

If customers do not follow the rules, in certain situations then we can end the accommodation. There are a few circumstances where accommodation would be ended with immediate effect, however generally you would be asked to discuss what happened with your case officer and issued with warnings before we ended your accommodation.

I have got pets, what should I do?

If you are offered temporary accommodation you may be able to take pets, this will be considered on a case by case basis, and the only exception would be assistance animals that may help you if you have additional requirements. 

Can you place me outside of Tonbridge and Malling?

We do all that we can to keep you within the district, but in most cases, due to the limited supply of accommodation in the district, there may be times when we have to place you elsewhere.  We would keep this to a minimum and try to get you back into Tonbridge and Malling as soon as something is available.

How often can I expect to hear from my caseworker?

Your Case Officer will aim to contact you on a weekly basis to keep you updated. Please be reassured that they will be working on your case even if you do not hear from them. You can contact your caseworker by calling our Contact Centre, who will pass a message to the officer that you have called and they will return any calls within 24 hours.   

I have had an offer but can’t move straight away – can I stay in the Temporary Accommodation until I can move?

You will receive notice of any offer and should be prepared to move into your new accommodation as soon as it is ready – stays in Temporary Accommodation will not be extended.