Temporary Accommodation

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• Temporary Accommodation

On this page you will find information about temporary accommodation such as what type of accommodation does the Council provide and how long would you have to stay in temporary accommodation.  

Where I applied to the Council’s Homelessness Assessments Team what accommodation does the Council provide?
Whilst an application under homelessness legislation is being assessed you may be provided with ‘temporary’ accommodation.  This may include placement in a hostel, bed and breakfast accommodation or a property rented by the Council from a private landlord.  This will be accommodation secured through either the Council’s Private Lease or Tenant Finder Service.

What happens with my furniture?
If the Council has undertaken to provide you with interim accommodation and you have no storage for your possessions we can arrange storage at a charge until your application is resolved.

Is there a charge for ‘temporary’ accommodation?
Yes.  You are liable for the full cost of any ‘temporary’ accommodation provided by the Council but we will help you claim housing benefit if you are entitled to help with your housing costs.

Can I remain at my family or friends accommodation whilst the Homelessness Assessments Office considers my application?
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness and meet the criteria above as an alternative to a longer stay in ‘temporary’ accommodation might be to negotiate with the person making you homeless.  If successful this could delay the date of your actual homelessness so that we can look for accommodation for you.

How long would I have to stay in ‘temporary’ accommodation?
If your application to the Homelessness Assessments Team is accepted you will be referred to the Council’s Housing Allocations Team who will register you for a permanent council or housing association property to rent.  There is no set length of time an ‘accepted’ homeless household will have to wait for a move to a permanent home.  This will be dependent on a household’s housing needs and preferences and the permanent council and housing association accommodation becoming available.

Average waiting times as at April 2006 for permanent accommodation in Kingston borough are as follows:-

Older persons accommodation (over 60's)
6-12 months

1 bedroom homes
2-3 years

2 and 3 bedroom homes
3-4 years

4 and 5 bedroom homes
5-6 years

Please note waiting times could be longer than this for ground floor, adapted or specialised accommodation, or any home with a garden.

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