You may be offered temporary accommodation if you need somewhere to stay while you wait for your homeless decision, and after you are found to be homeless.
We have a range of temporary accommodation options, and will try our best to meet your needs. However, we have a limited supply of accommodation.
Fully furnished properties
These are properties that will usually be for you and your household only.
Most of these properties belong to us, but we also lease properties from Private Landlords. These properties must meet our temporary accommodation standards and are managed by us. The private landlord has no involvement with the tenant or the property.
In some instances, we may offer you shared accommodation. This means you will have your own bedroom in a property, but share other facilities in the property.
While you are in temporary accommodation, our Accommodation Officers will keep in regular contact with you.
Supported accommodation
If we consider that you need specialist housing support, they will look to find a placement in one of our supported accommodation units. We have three units, which are for:
- Single men, aged over 25
- Young people aged 16-35
- Single people and families
Our Supported Accommodation units provide practical support to help with the transition to further supported, temporary or permanent accommodation.
Hotel accommodation
Sometimes we use hotel accommodation, which may be outwith the Falkirk Council area, if no other temporary accommodation is available.
We try not to use hotel accommodation wherever possible, and try to avoid placing families with children or pregnant women there
Will I be offered temporary housing?
During your interview, a homeless assessment officer will discuss whether you need temporary housing.
You do not need to take temporary accommodation to be considered homeless, if you have somewhere safe to stay.
When you accept an offer of temporary accommodation, we will ask you to sign an occupancy agreement and the tenancy rules. The occupancy agreement will explain your rights and responsibilities while you stay there and the standard of accommodation that we have committed to provide. This needs to be renewed every 6 months, and you must make yourself available for this to be done.
If you are unhappy with the accommodation we have offered you, you have a right to ask us to review our decision.
Charges for temporary accommodation
Everyone living in temporary accommodation will have to pay for it. The cost will depend on the type of accommodation you get. We will always tell you how much your accommodation will cost before you move in.
Fully furnished properties – the rent for these properties is based on the Local Housing Allowance for the size of property. You will also be responsible for fuel and Council Tax charges.
Supported accommodation – the weekly rent charge is between £201 - £231, depending on the type of accommodation. There is a weekly fuel charge of £7.70, which is not covered by Housing Benefit. You will not have to pay Council Tax.
Hotel accommodation – the weekly rent charge is £105.86. You will not have to pay fuel or Council Tax charges.
Shared – the weekly rent charge is approximately £90. There is a weekly service charge of £13.86, which is not covered by Housing Benefit. You will not have to pay fuel or Council Tax charges.
Can I get any help to pay for my accommodation?
If you are on benefits or a low income, then most or all of the accommodation charge may be covered by Housing Benefit.
When you enter temporary accommodation, we will ask you to complete a Housing Benefit form. We can help to fill in the form. You must complete the form quickly as if you delay, your benefit application will not be assessed, and you will owe us money for the unpaid charges.
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FAQs
Can I choose the area my temporary accommodation is in?
Our temporary accommodation stock is limited. We will try our best to meet your needs, but the accommodation may not be in an area of your choice.
What will happen to my pets?
We may allow you to keep pets in our furnished properties, but you must first seek permission from your temporary accommodation officer.
Unfortunately, you cannot keep your pets in our supported accommodation, shared accommodation, or B&B. If you are unable to find a place for your pets to stay, we will give you information on fostering services.
Can you store my furniture?
We can help you arrange to store your possessions if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness. However, this is a limited service, and we cannot take all items. If you move to our temporary accommodation, we can uplift and store your essential belongings while you stay there.
How long will I be in temporary accommodation for?
This will depend on how quickly you are rehoused, but this can take up to 12-18 months. We would encourage you to bid for as many properties as possible, and consider all available housing options, to try and reduce your stay in temporary accommodation.
The temporary accommodation is not close to my child's school or nursery.
We will always discuss your children’s needs for travel to school. We may be able to provide transport for primary aged children. For secondary pupils, we would usually expect them to use public transport, using the Free Bus Travel Scheme.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide transport to nursery establishments.
What if I damage my temporary accommodation?
If you deliberately damage your temporary accommodation, including any furniture or fittings, you will be recharged for the repair work, or replacement of furniture.
I need to report a repair in my temporary accommodation property.
This can be done online or by telephone to 01324 506070.
I’m concerned about anti-social behaviour in temporary accommodation.
Any anti-social behaviour can be reported to our Conflict Resolution Service. If you break the terms of our supported accommodation occupancy agreement, you may be excluded from the service.