Temporary accommodation
How to get temporary accommodation
You can contact the Housing Executive if you need temporary accommodation by:
tel.: 03448 920 900
If you are able to find your own temporary housing, such as staying with family or friends, contact your local office to let your Housing Advisor know.
There is very high demand for temporary accommodation, especially in Belfast and Derry / Londonderry.
Who can get temporary accommodation
The Housing Executive can offer you temporary housing if you:
- passed all four homelessness tests and are waiting for an offer of social housing
- are in the process of having a homelessness assessment and are believed to be eligible and have priority need
We may also offer temporary housing if you are waiting for a review of your homeless decision.
You can find information about the homeless assessment process here:
Self-referrals
Some hostels allow self-referrals. This means you can apply yourself, even if you have been given a negative homeless decision.
They can only help if:
- they have a vacancy
- your needs fit the type of support they offer
For more information and advice on temporary accommodation you can visit the Housing Rights website here:
Housing Rights - temporary accommodation
What is temporary accommodation
There are different types of temporary accommodation including:
Hostels for single people
If you are a single person, a hostel may be your best short-term option. There are different types of hostels that can offer different levels of support.
- in most hostels you will have your own room with access to shared facilities
- smaller hostels may offer single rooms in shared houses or flats
- different hostels may have different rules during your stay
Many hostels have staff who can help with:
- finding housing
- applying for benefits
- emotional support
- learning life skills
- specialist support (for drug, alcohol, or mental health issues)
There are also hostels that support specific groups of people, including:
- refuges for women who have experienced domestic abuse
- accommodation for people who need a high level of support
Family hostels
Family hostels are for homeless families with children. Family hostels are different from hostels for single people.
Family hostels are usually self-contained flats. This means that:
- you will have your own flat
- there may also be some communal facilities such as laundry rooms or play areas
- there are support staff on site.
Single lets
Single lets are houses or flats owned by private landlords that the Housing Executive can offer as temporary housing.
Usually single lets are offered to:
- families with children
- people with specific needs, eg disabilities
Crash beds
If you need an emergency bed for the night, you might be offered a ‘crash bed’. These beds are for one night at a time.
B&Bs (bed and breakfasts) and hotels
These are only used if there are no other options available at the time you need temporary accommodation.
If you are offered this type of accommodation, it will only be for as short a time as possible until other options become available.
Paying for temporary accommodation
You have to pay rent for your stay in temporary accommodation. You can apply for Housing Benefit to help cover the costs.
You may also have to pay a service charge in some hostels. Service charges are usually to cover the cost of utility bills and food, for example.
You can be asked to leave your temporary accommodation if you do not pay these costs. It is important to talk to the staff at your accommodation, or contact your local Housing Executive office if you are having trouble paying these costs, they may be able to give you help and advice.