Your Rights in Temporary Accommodation in Northern Ireland

If you've lost your home or face eviction in Northern Ireland, you may be placed in temporary accommodation while your long-term housing is arranged. It's important to know your rights and what support you can expect during this time. This guide offers a clear overview of temporary housing rights, key legislation, how to address problems, and where to find official help.

Your Rights in Temporary Accommodation

Temporary accommodation can include hostels, bed and breakfasts, hotels, or social/leased housing assigned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). While living in temporary housing, you have specific rights and responsibilities:

• Access to safe, secure, and habitable accommodation
• The right to fair treatment and non-discrimination
• Support with housing needs, including guidance on permanent housing options
• Protection of your belongings (in most cases)
• An explanation of your housing status and future steps

Your main protection comes from the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 and related homelessness law¹. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is legally responsible for managing homelessness applications and providing temporary housing². If you have children, social services must also safeguard their welfare during your stay.

Types of Temporary Housing Provided

The NIHE will decide which type of temporary accommodation to offer based on your needs and available housing. Common options are:

• Hostels or supported housing: Often for people needing extra support or for families
• B&Bs or hotels: Usually used in emergencies or when other options aren't available
• Leased social housing: Short-term use of council or housing association property

The NIHE will try to keep you close to your community, work, and children's schools when possible.

Living Conditions and Your Rights

Even in temporary accommodation, you are entitled to:

• # Safe and healthy living standards (heating, water, hygiene)
• # Reasonable privacy and family life
• # Support from NIHE staff, including housing and benefit advice
• # Advance notice if you have to move between placements

If you're unhappy with the conditions, raise this with your NIHE officer or use the complaint procedure (explained below). If you feel unsafe, report this immediately.

What Are Your Responsibilities?

You must:

• Pay any service charges or rent required by the accommodation
• Follow accommodation rules (such as visitor, smoking or noise policies)
• Keep the accommodation clean and avoid causing damage

Failure to meet these responsibilities could affect your place in temporary housing. Always talk to your case officer if you have difficulties with payments or rules—they may be able to assist.

Applying for and Staying in Temporary Housing

When you apply as homeless to the NIHE, you will be given a reference number and assigned a case officer. If you meet the legal criteria, the NIHE must offer you temporary housing while your application is assessed.

Official Forms: What to Expect

• Homelessness Application Form (NIHE): Used to apply for help if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You can fill this out online with NIHE or in person.
• Review Request Form: If you disagree with a decision (e.g., denial of housing or unsuitable temporary accommodation), you can ask for a review in writing. Typically, send a written request to your NIHE office within 21 days. Learn how to request a review with NIHE.

Example: If your temporary housing is far from your child's school and you feel this is unsuitable, you can use the Review process to ask for a change.

How to Make a Complaint

If you're not satisfied with any aspect of your temporary accommodation (such as living conditions or conduct of staff), follow these steps:

• Contact the NIHE directly—either your housing officer or the official NIHE complaints team
• Escalate to an internal review if you are unhappy with the response
• You can also complain to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman

Full details and forms are available on the NIHE complaints page.

If you feel your temporary housing is unsafe or your needs are not being met, raise this with NIHE immediately—your safety and well-being must be prioritised.

Leaving Temporary Accommodation

You will typically stay in temporary accommodation until the NIHE finds you permanent housing or your homelessness application is resolved. Always check with your housing officer before leaving, as this could impact your rights or priority.

Which Tribunal Hears Housing Disputes?

In Northern Ireland, most housing and homelessness disputes are handled by the NIHE internal review process. If a legal dispute arises (for example, an eviction from temporary accommodation), it may be escalated to the county courts.

FAQ: Temporary Accommodation in Northern Ireland

1. What if I am placed far from my job or child's school?
   You can request a review of your placement with the NIHE if you believe your temporary accommodation is unsuitable for family, work, or health reasons. Provide supporting information when you apply for the review.
2. Can I refuse an offer of temporary accommodation?
   You can refuse, but this may affect your legal homeless status and access to further support. If you believe the offer is unreasonable, ask for a review instead of flat-out refusal.
3. Will I need to pay for temporary accommodation?
   You may be asked to pay a service charge or rent while in temporary accommodation, depending on your income. Housing Benefit may help with costs—ask your NIHE officer for guidance.
4. How long will I stay in temporary accommodation?
   There is no set limit. You will stay until the NIHE can make a decision on your case and, if eligible, provide suitable long-term housing. Stay in contact with your officer for updates.
5. Who can I contact if I feel unsafe or discriminated against in temporary housing?
   Report your concerns immediately to your NIHE case officer. Serious issues can also be raised with the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman or the police if there is a safety threat.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• You have rights to safe, fair, and habitable temporary accommodation from the NIHE.
• If you are unhappy about the suitability or conditions, you can ask for a review or complain.
• Key legislation is the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988—always check official NIHE guidance for updates.

Keep records of all communication with NIHE and ask for support early if you're struggling during your stay in temporary housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NIHE Homelessness Services – Apply for help, read your rights, and access support
• NIHE Complaints Procedure – Raise concerns about accommodation or treatment
• Housing Advice Services (NI Direct) – Get free, independent housing advice
• Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman – Escalate complaints about public bodies or housing

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1. Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. NIHE official guidance on homelessness applications

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