Are You Charged Rent in Emergency Housing in England?

If you've recently lost your home or face a sudden eviction in England, you may be offered emergency housing by your council. It's natural to worry about what costs you might face during this difficult time. This article explains if rent is charged in emergency accommodation, what your rights are, and how you can get help with payments or challenge unfair costs.

What Is Emergency Housing and Who Gets It?

When someone in England is at risk of homelessness or has been legally evicted, the local council has a duty to provide 'emergency accommodation' if you meet basic eligibility tests. This is usually a temporary place to stay until longer-term housing can be arranged. Common examples include a hostel, bed and breakfast, or a managed property.

• Emergency housing is not a permanent home but protects you while your application is checked.
• You qualify if you are legally homeless, eligible for public assistance, and considered in 'priority need' (such as families with children, pregnant women, or those vulnerable due to illness).
• Councils have a legal duty under the Housing Act 1996 to provide emergency housing if you qualify.^[1]

This support is handled by your local council's housing team.

Are You Charged Rent for Emergency Accommodation?

In most cases, councils do charge rent or fees for emergency housing, but the rules are specific:

• Councils can ask you to pay reasonable rent for temporary or emergency accommodation, including service charges for heating, electricity, or meals.
• Your rent should be clearly explained by the council before you move in.
• Many people in emergency accommodation are eligible for Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit to cover these costs.
• You are not required to pay a deposit or long-term tenancy fees, but may need to contribute to some costs if benefits do not cover the full amount.

If you are asked to pay, always request a break-down of costs. The council must act in line with the Housing Act 1996 and their local policies.^[1]

Help with Paying Rent in Emergency Housing

If your income is low or you receive benefits, you should claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit immediately to help cover the rent. Your council or Jobcentre can help you make the claim. There is no specific separate official form for emergency accommodation rent payments, but you will usually need to:

• Complete the Housing Benefit claim form provided by your council.
• Provide evidence that you are living in emergency accommodation (ask for a letter from the council).
• If you get Universal Credit, use the standard Universal Credit application process and update your housing costs in your journal.

If you receive a bill you cannot afford, contact your council right away—they may be able to pause payments or help you apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment for extra support.

Your Rights and Complaints

You are always entitled to fair treatment, clear information about payment, and support if you cannot pay. You should never be threatened with eviction or loss of emergency shelter solely because of a delay in Housing Benefit but do let your council know of any issues as soon as possible.

• If you think you have been overcharged or have been refused help unfairly, you can make a complaint to your council.
• If not resolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman Service, which is the official complaints tribunal for housing issues in England.^[2]

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of your rights, contact a local advice agency or use the government’s homelessness help page for extra guidance.

Key Official Forms and Processes

There are no dedicated national forms just for rent charges in emergency housing, but you may need:

• Housing Benefit application (HB1 or LAHB forms)
  Use this form if you are on a low income or benefits and need help paying your emergency rent. Most councils provide it online; see your council's website or start at Housing Benefit: How to Claim.
• Universal Credit online journal
  If you're already claiming Universal Credit, update your journal with your new emergency accommodation details. See report a change of circumstances for instructions.
• Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) form
  Apply to your council for a DHP if Housing Benefit/Universal Credit does not cover all your costs. See Discretionary Housing Payments official guidance.

For each form, follow your local council's online application process, or ask for help at your council housing office.

FAQ: Can You Be Charged Rent in Emergency Housing?

1. Can the council make me pay rent for emergency housing even if I have no money?
   Yes, but if you cannot afford the charges, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, or a Discretionary Housing Payment to cover the costs. The council should help you apply for support.
2. Will I be evicted from emergency accommodation if I can’t pay my rent straight away?
   No. You should not be evicted solely due to delays or gaps in benefit payments. Always inform the council of financial difficulties so support can be arranged.
3. Can I refuse to pay emergency accommodation charges if I think they’re too high?
   If you believe the charges are unreasonable or not clearly explained, raise this with your council through their complaints procedure. You may escalate to the Housing Ombudsman if not resolved.
4. Does Housing Benefit cover the full cost of emergency housing?
   In most cases, yes, especially if you have limited income. However, you may need to apply promptly and provide required documentation. Discretionary Housing Payment can help with shortfalls.
5. Who oversees complaints about emergency accommodation in England?
   Complaints about temporary or emergency housing are overseen by your local council first, then the Housing Ombudsman Service if unresolved.

Key Takeaways: Emergency Housing Rent in England

• Councils may charge rent or service fees for emergency accommodation—but you can usually claim housing-related benefits to help pay.
• Always request an explanation of charges and apply for benefit support immediately if needed.
• If you struggle with costs or feel you’ve been treated unfairly, use the official council complaint process or contact the Housing Ombudsman.

Remember, support is available if you are at risk of homelessness or facing eviction—don’t delay seeking help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Homelessness help from your council: Get official advice, make a homelessness application, and request emergency housing.
• Housing Benefit: How to claim: Guidance and forms to help cover rent in emergency situations.
• Universal Credit: How to claim: For help with housing costs if eligible.
• Housing Ombudsman Service: Make a complaint if your council does not resolve a housing issue.
• Shelter England – Homelessness advice: Non-profit advice and support for people at risk of homelessness.

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1. Housing Act 1996, sections 188–212 (Provision of accommodation and local authority duties).
2. Housing Ombudsman Service — Residential tenancies complaints tribunal for England.

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