Your location: Temporary accommodation once the council has made its decision
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England
When you make a homeless application to the council, you will be provided with somewhere to stay while the council carries out its inquiries into your situation. If you do not pass all the homelessness tests, you should be allowed to continue to stay in this accommodation, to give you an opportunity to find somewhere else to live. This page discusses the council's duties to provide temporary accommodation once it has finished its inquiries and made a decision on your case.
The page about temporary accommodation has more general information, including:
- what temporary accommodation is like
- what you can do if you're not happy with your accommodation
- what happens if any problems arise.
Can I stay in my temporary accommodation if I'm not in priority need or am intentionally homeless?
You should be allowed to continue to stay in your temporary accommodation long enough to give you a reasonable opportunity to find somewhere to stay.
How long can I stay for?
When deciding how long you can continue to stay in temporary accommodation, the council should take into account your circumstances (for example, the size of your family or whether you have any special needs) and the availability of accommodation in your area.
What other help should the council give me?
The council must you give you advice and assistance to find a new home. For example, it may help you put your name down on the housing waiting list, or may give you advice and information on supported accommodation, private rented accommodation or how to go about buying your own home.
If the council helps you find a new home (for example, through the housing waiting list) and you then turn it down, it will probably ask you to leave your temporary accommodation.
What if I'm not given enough time?
If the council asks you to leave your temporary accommodation and you feel you have not been given enough time to find a new home, get advice. An adviser can tell you your rights and may be able to get you more time.
What happens if I don't have a local connection?
If the council finds you don't have a local connection and refers you to another council where you do, you can stay in your temporary accommodation until the new council can move you to its own temporary accommodation.
What happens if I'm entitled to permanent housing?
If the council decides that it has a duty to offer you a permanent home, you can remain in temporary accommodation until a suitable offer is made.
What if I'm asked to leave my accommodation?
The page on eviction from temporary accommodation explains your rights if you are asked to leave your accommodation.
