Councils use several names for places they put people while sorting out their housing. Knowing what each means helps you ask the right questions.
Key points
- Emergency or interim accommodation is a short-term place the council arranges while it looks into your application, if you may be homeless and have a priority need.
- Temporary accommodation is where you may stay for longer while you wait for a settled home, such as social housing or a private tenancy.
- Ask how long you can stay, where it is, what the rules and charges are, and what happens when it ends.
- Ask for the offer in writing. If it is unsuitable, for example too far away or unsafe for your health, tell the council straight away and explain why.
- Your rent in temporary accommodation may be paid by Housing Benefit, so ask which benefit applies.
A tip
Never leave an offer without speaking to the council or an adviser first, because it may affect your application.
About the video
The video at the top of this page is by Homelessness Best Practice on YouTube. We picked it because its title is "Homelessness FAQs: Temporary / Emergency / Interim Accommodation - what's the difference?". We did not make it, and rules and amounts change, so use the official links at the bottom of this page to check the details for your situation.
Sources and official help
- Shelter England: council homeless help
- Shelter England: how to ask the council for help
- Citizens Advice
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.