Temporary Accommodation
This information is provided by Newport City Council and is intended as guide. If you would like further advice or information about your housing options, please contact the housing team. This information was valid at time of upload April 2025.
Calling 01633 656656 (speaking with a Housing Advice & Prevention Officer).
Attending the drop-in service at Central Library and Museum (Floor 2), John Frost Square
9:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or 9:00-13:00 Wednesday.
E-mailing services@newport.gov.uk
Overview
If it has not been possible to prevent your homelessness the council may have a duty to offer you temporary accommodation.
Temporary Accomodation is an emergency placement available to some households when they become homeless. It is not a settled home and includes:
- Bed and Breakfasts.
- Shared accommodation.
- Council properties that have been leased from property owners.
Whilst the council will consider a range of factors such a proximity to schools and health services, the level of demand means it is often unable to match people with temporary accommodation which meets these preferences. Therefore, other than ensuring that you and your family are not placed into an area where you would be at risk of violence, the council is unable to provide guarantees on the location as this is dependent on availability. This means that the temporary accommodation could be a significant distance from schools, employment and family. In some cases, you will be placed outside the city of Newport. If you have dependent children, we will try our best to find you temporary accommodation with separate rooms, however due to high demand for this type of accommodation, this cannot be guaranteed.
Wherever possible, the council would encourage people to access alternatives to temporary accommodation such as staying with family and friends whilst you work with the council to access your single suitable offer of accommodation.
How long will I be in temporary accommodation?
You will be in temporary accommodation until you are made your single suitable offer of settled housing. Often this will not be social housing but settled accommodation in the private rented sector. There is no time limit for how long this can take. Some families can be in temporary accommodation for more than 12 months.
You could be asked to leave temporary accommodation if the council decides you:
- Are not eligible for assistance, due to immigration conditions.
- Are not homeless, because you have somewhere else to live.
- Are intentionally homeless, and you’ve been given help to find your own housing.
- Have refused a reasonable offer of permanent housing. This could be with either a housing association or private landlord.
- Have broken the rules of the accommodation provider, such as smoking indoors.
- Aren’t staying in the temporary accommodation every night.
- Have acted anti-socially or unlawfully in the temporary accommodation.
If you the council tells you that they no longer have a legal homeless duty to house you, you can appeal this decision. This must be done within 21 days of the council’s decision.
Can I take my pet to my temporary accommodation?
It is generally not possible for the council to find suitable temporary accommodation for you and your pet/s. However, if you cannot keep your pets in temporary accommodation, the council will offer to help look after them. This could include arranging a kennel. The council may charge you for this.
Do I have to stay at my temporary accommodation every night?
The council has offered you temporary accommodation because you have told us that you have nowhere else to stay. You will be asked to sign an Occupancy Agreement when you first move into your temporary accommodation which says that you must stay at your temporary accommodation every night. If you are not able to stay at your temporary accommodation, you need to contact your Accommodation Officer. Failure to reside in your temporary accommodation may result in the accommodation being closed and your homelessness duty being ended.
Can I select a property that is bigger or smaller than my needs?
No, you will only be able to select properties that you are eligible for. In some instances, you will be able to apply for properties with 1 bedroom more than you require. However, Housing Associations will give preference to those households who occupy all bedrooms. If offered a property with more bedrooms than you require, you will also need to be able to demonstrate that you can afford the rent.
Am I allowed visitors in my temporary accommodation?
There may be rules set by your accommodation provider which says that you cannot have visitors. You will be told whether visitors are allowed when you sign the agreement/contract.
Will there be furniture in my temporary accommodation?
Temporary accommodation can be furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished. If you have your own furniture, the council may be able to store this for you, however you will be charged.
If you require items such as white goods or household furniture you may be eligible to use the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF). You can apply for the DAF by visiting the Welsh Government website or calling 0800 8595924 (free from a landline) or 033 0101 5000 (local rate). If you need help to apply for this fund, your Housing Advice and Prevention Officer can help you.
What happens if I refuse an offer property?
If you refuse an offer of Temporary Accomodation or Settled Accommodation the council may
you’re your homelessness duty and any additional priority for social housing. You will also have to leave your temporary accommodation. The council would be unlikely to hold a homelessness duty in the future unless there was a significant change in your circumstances.
You have a legal right to appeal the suitability of accommodation within 21 days of the offer. We would always advise you to move into the property offered whilst also appealing the offer. This will ensure that you do not become homeless because of refusing an offer of accommodation which is found suitable at appeal.
Do I have to tell anyone when I move out of temporary accommodation?
When moving out of temporary accommodation, you should notify the council as soon as possible. If you do not do this, you will be charged for the accommodation after you have left.
When I am offered permanent accommodation, how long do I have to move out of my temporary accommodation?
There is no specific notice period you have to give but you do need to let the council know that you are moving out, so you do not continue to be charged for the accommodation.
Who do I contact if I have any concerns or issues when I am in temporary accommodation?
If you are enquiring about maintenance of your temporary accommodation, who you need to contact will depend on the property you have been placed in. It will be explained to you at sign up who is responsible for the repairs in your accommodation and how to contact them. If you have any questions or are uncertain who you need to contact please email the temporary accommodation inbox: temporary.accommodation@newport.gov.uk, contact your accommodation officer or contact the council on 01633 656656. This number can also be used outside of office hours in case of emergency.
Any other general enquiries please follow this link to fill out a form:
I have already spoken to an Officer about my homeless situation, what do I do if I have more questions?
If we are already supporting you as homeless or at risk of homelessness, please contact your case officer directly by email or phone. Please submit any requested documents by email if possible.
