Skip to main content
Shelter Logo
Scotland

Letter templates

Homeless application not taken

Local authorities have a duty to take a homeless application and make inquiries. If they refuse to take an application, this can be challenged.

Client has no accommodation letter template

Use our no accommodation letter template when both of the following apply:

  • the local authority has refused to take your client's homeless application

  • your client has nowhere to stay

Client's accommodation is unreasonable to occupy letter template

Use our living in unreasonable to occupy accommodation letter template when both of the following apply:

  • the local authority has refused to take your client's homeless application

  • your client's accommodation is unreasonable to occupy

Unsuitable temporary accommodation

Local authorities have a duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless people and their families. Temporary accommodation must be suitable and take account of the family's needs.

Unsuitable temporary accommodation can be challenged.

B&B, hostel and hotel accommodation letter template

Use our B&B, hostel and hotel accommodation letter template when your client has been in their accommodation for more than 7 days and if the accommodation does not have one or more of these:

  • a toilet and bath/shower for your client’s exclusive use

  • shared use of a living room

  • shared adequate cooking facilities

Accommodation unsuitable for visitation by non-resident children letter template

Use our unsuitable for visitation by non-resident children letter template when all of the following apply:

  • a member of the homeless household has parental rights and responsibilities

  • the temporary accommodation is not suitable for visitation by their children

  • your client has been in the accommodation for more than 7 days

Unsuitable temporary accommodation location letter template

Use our unsuitable temporary accommodation locality letter template when your client has been in the accommodation for more than 7 days, and the accommodation is either:

  • not reasonably accessible to the household’s workplaces, schools, and health and support services

  • outwith the local authority area, and the household has not agreed to be accommodated there

Accommodation unsuitable for the household's accessibility needs letter template

Use our unsuitable accommodation – accessibility needs of the household letter template if:

  • the accommodation does not meet the accessibility needs of the homeless household and

  • the household has been in the accommodation for more than 7 days