In the UK, temporary accommodation is typically provided for individuals or families who are homeless or facing housing difficulties. It can also refer to short-term housing solutions for people in transition, such as students or workers needing a place to stay for a limited period.
Here’s an overview of different types of temporary accommodation available in the UK:
1. Homelessness Assistance (for those facing homelessness)
- Local Authority Accommodation: If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you can approach your local council for assistance. They will assess your situation and may offer temporary accommodation while they help you find more permanent housing.
- Types of Temporary Accommodation:
- Hostels: Basic, communal living arrangements with shared facilities. They are usually aimed at single individuals, but some may accept families.
- B&Bs (Bed and Breakfasts): These are often used for families or individuals in urgent need of temporary shelter. B&Bs are generally a last resort and may not offer long-term solutions.
- Shared Accommodation: This could include houses or flats rented by the local council or other organizations, where people live together in shared spaces.
- Refuges: Specialized accommodation for individuals escaping domestic violence or other dangerous situations.
- Eligibility: Generally, to qualify for temporary accommodation via the local council, you must prove that you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and meet certain vulnerability criteria (e.g., children, disabilities, domestic abuse, etc.).
2. Private Renting (Short-Term Lets)
- Holiday Lets and Short-Term Rentals: Some people rent out their homes or apartments on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. This is an option if you’re looking for short-term accommodation while between permanent housing or during a temporary stay.
- Serviced Apartments: These are furnished apartments offered on a short-term basis, often ideal for people on business or those needing somewhere to stay for a few weeks or months.
3. Temporary Accommodation for Workers
- If you are temporarily working in an area far from your permanent home, you might seek temporary accommodation, such as short-term rentals or shared housing. Companies sometimes provide or subsidize accommodation for employees working on short-term projects.
- Shared Houses: Common among people working in the same area temporarily. Sites like SpareRoom or Gumtree are popular for finding rooms in shared houses.
4. Student Accommodation
- If you are a student, universities typically offer temporary accommodation or on-campus housing for the first few weeks or months of the academic year before you find a permanent place to stay.
- Private Student Halls: These are privately run student accommodations that are often available for 6-12 month contracts.
5. Travel or Holiday Accommodation (Short Stays)
- Hotels and Motels: For short stays, especially in emergency situations or while waiting for longer-term housing to become available.
- Camping and Glamping: Some people also look into camping or more luxurious “glamping” sites for short-term accommodation.
How to Access Temporary Accommodation
- For Homelessness: Contact your local council’s homelessness department. They will assess your situation and may provide temporary accommodation if you’re eligible.
- For Other Needs: Search through online platforms, real estate agents, or local housing services to find short-term lets, serviced apartments, or other temporary accommodation options.
If you’re unsure about your rights or need guidance, you can reach out to homelessness charities such as Shelter, which offers advice and assistance for people facing housing difficulties.
When it comes to renting and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) in the UK, there are a few different considerations depending on the type of accommodation you’re looking for—whether it’s for short-term stays, longer rentals, or emergency housing. Let’s break it down:
1. Renting (Private Rentals)
If you’re looking to rent a property privately in the UK, there are various options, ranging from short-term lets to long-term rentals. Here’s a breakdown:
Private Rentals (Long-Term and Short-Term)
- Long-Term Rentals:
- Most private rentals in the UK are secured through tenancy agreements, which usually last 6-12 months but can sometimes be for longer periods.
- Rent prices vary depending on location, size of the property, and amenities. Major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh tend to have higher rental costs.
- Types of Rentals:
- Flats: Suitable for individuals or small families.
- Houses: Often rented to families or groups.
- Studio Apartments: Ideal for singles or couples.
- Shared Accommodation: Renting a room in a house or flat, which is common for students, young professionals, or those on a budget.
- Short-Term Rentals:
- These are usually rented for a few weeks to a few months. They can be ideal if you’re moving to a new area, on a business assignment, or temporarily relocating.
- Serviced Apartments: Fully furnished apartments available for a few weeks or months. They are often more expensive than regular rentals but offer more flexibility.
- Holiday Lets: Short-term rentals (sometimes furnished) for tourists or those in need of temporary accommodation.
- Platforms: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom, and Gumtree can help you find both short-term and long-term rental properties.
How to Rent:
- References & Checks: Landlords typically require references from previous landlords and may conduct a credit check to ensure you’re financially reliable.
- Deposits: A deposit (usually 4-6 weeks’ rent) is typically required for long-term rentals. For short-term lets, deposits may be lower or not required.
- Renting as a Student: If you’re a student, you may be able to rent a property with a guarantor (someone who agrees to cover your rent if you fail to pay) if you don’t have a proven income.
2. Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
B&Bs are a popular choice for short-term accommodation, especially for those who need a place to stay for a few days or a week. They offer a more personal, homey experience compared to hotels, with the added benefit of a home-cooked breakfast.
Types of B&Bs:
- Traditional B&Bs: These are often run by families or small businesses in private homes. They typically offer a bedroom, shared bathroom (though some have en-suite rooms), and breakfast.
- Guesthouses: Similar to B&Bs, but often larger. Some guesthouses may also have additional services, such as evening meals or laundry facilities.
- Luxury B&Bs: These may offer more amenities, such as en-suite bathrooms, high-end furnishings, and luxury services. They tend to be more expensive but offer more comfort.
Advantages of Staying in a B&B:
- Cost-Effective: Generally, B&Bs can be cheaper than hotels, especially in more rural areas or smaller cities.
- Home-Cooked Breakfast: The inclusion of breakfast in the price is a big plus. You can typically expect a full English breakfast, though lighter options may be available.
- Personalized Service: B&B owners are often keen to provide a more personalized experience, giving you local tips or even offering home-made treats.
- Atmosphere: B&Bs often offer a more intimate, cozy environment compared to large hotels.
Disadvantages:
- Less Privacy: B&Bs tend to be smaller, and you might have to share spaces like bathrooms, lounges, and sometimes even kitchens.
- Limited Facilities: Unlike hotels, B&Bs usually don’t offer extra facilities like gyms, swimming pools, or 24-hour reception.
- Booking Flexibility: Some B&Bs may not offer the flexibility of a hotel in terms of last-minute bookings or extended stays.
How to Book a B&B:
- Booking Websites: Websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor allow you to browse and book B&Bs easily. They also offer user reviews, which can help you choose the right place.
- Direct Contact: Many smaller, independent B&Bs still rely on direct bookings, so you might need to call or email them to reserve a room, especially for peak times like holidays.
Costs of B&Bs:
- The price of a B&B stay can vary widely depending on location, the time of year, and the amenities offered. In major cities like London, you might pay anywhere from £70 to £200+ per night, while in smaller towns or rural areas, prices can be as low as £30-£70 per night.
- Booking in advance can often secure better rates, especially in tourist-heavy regions or during high season.
Choosing Between Renting and B&Bs
- Renting: If you’re looking for longer-term accommodation (1 month or more), renting is typically more cost-effective and gives you greater autonomy.
- B&Bs: If you need somewhere to stay for just a few days or weeks, or you’re just passing through an area, a B&B might be more convenient, especially when breakfast is included.
Airbnb is a popular platform that allows people to rent out their homes or properties on a short-term basis, providing a wide range of accommodations for travelers, workers, or anyone needing temporary accommodation. Unlike traditional hotels or B&Bs, Airbnb offers a variety of lodging options, including entire homes, apartments, private rooms, and even unique places like treehouses or houseboats.
3. Airbnb’s
What Is Airbnb?
Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects hosts (people who have space to rent) with guests (people who need a place to stay). It’s widely used for booking short-term stays for travel, business, or even temporary living.
- Types of Accommodation:
- Entire homes or apartments: You’ll have full access to a property, perfect for families or groups.
- Private rooms: You rent a single room in someone’s house or apartment, and the rest of the space (e.g., kitchen, bathroom) may be shared with the host or other guests.
- Shared rooms: You rent a bed in a shared space, like a dormitory or a room shared with others.
- Unique Stays: Airbnb also features “unique” properties like treehouses, cabins, boats, castles, yurts, and more, offering one-of-a-kind experiences.
2. How to Use Airbnb
Using Airbnb is easy, and it works both for people looking to rent out their own space and for those seeking temporary accommodation.
Booking a Property:
- Create an Account: Sign up on Airbnb’s website or app. You’ll need to provide basic information, such as your name, email, and payment details.
- Search for Properties: Enter your travel dates and location to browse available listings. You can filter by price, type of property, number of guests, amenities (Wi-Fi, kitchen, parking, etc.), and more.
- Check Reviews: Before booking, read reviews from previous guests to ensure the property and host meet your expectations. Airbnb’s review system is quite transparent, so you can get a good idea of what to expect.
- Contact the Host: If you have any questions about the property or the booking process, you can message the host directly through the Airbnb platform.
- Book: Once you’ve found the right property, follow the steps to book it. You may need to enter your payment information, and in some cases, you’ll have the option to pay in installments.
3. Advantages of Airbnb
- Wide Variety of Properties: You can find everything from affordable rooms to luxury homes or quirky, unique spaces. This makes it ideal for different budgets and preferences.
- Flexible Length of Stay: You can book stays for a few nights or a few months, depending on what the host offers.
- Personalized Experience: Many hosts provide local recommendations, and some even offer extra amenities like home-cooked meals, bike rentals, or guided tours.
- Competitive Pricing: Airbnb often offers more affordable options than hotels, especially for families, groups, or those staying in private rooms.
- No Hidden Fees: The price shown includes all fees, including cleaning charges, though some hosts may charge extra for certain services (e.g., early check-in, pets, etc.).
4. Disadvantages of Airbnb
- Variable Quality: Since Airbnb properties are run by individual hosts, the quality and service can vary significantly. Some places may be exactly as described, while others might not live up to expectations.
- Service Fees: In addition to the nightly rate, Airbnb charges a service fee (usually around 14-16%) for booking through the platform. These fees are added to the total cost.
- Less Consistency: Unlike hotels, Airbnb doesn’t have standardized service, and there’s no 24-hour reception in most cases. The experience can vary widely depending on the host.
- Rules and Regulations: Some cities in the UK (like London) have introduced regulations that restrict short-term rentals, so you should check local laws or property rules
Things to consider when deciding where to stay
- City or country
- Commute to work
- Schools in the area if you have children
Street check
Street check is a great site for information about property across the United Kingdom. It will also tell you a lot of what you need to know about an area.
All you need to do is type in the postcode or location of the area you would like information about.
Prove your right to rent in the UK
Private landlords and agents are legally required to check the immigration status of all tenants, lodgers and any other adults who will be living in the property.
The right to rent check has to take place before the tenancy starts.
You will be asked to provide documents to show you have the right to live in the UK, either permanently or temporarily.
Prove your right to rent online
Private renting
- Your rights and responsibilities
- Document checks
- Your landlord’s safety responsibilities
- Repairs
- Rent increases
- Rent disputes
- Rent arrears
- Deposits
- Houses in multiple occupation
- Anti-social behaviour
- Changes to a regulated tenancy
- Complaints
Council Tax
- Who has to pay council tax?
- Working out your Council Tax
- Discounts for full-time students
- Discounts for disabled people
- Second homes and empty properties
- Paying your bill
Renting or purchasing property
Some useful links about renting or purchasing property in the UK:
- Renting or purchasing a property in the United Kingdom.
- A checklist for renting in the United Kingdom.
- Private renting.
- Being a landlord and renting out a room
- Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities in the private rented sector
- Check your tenancy type if you rent from a private landlord
- Your rights when you rent from a private landlord
- Using a guarantor
- Renting with other people
- Subletting and lodging
- Tenancy agreements
Property and rooms to rent by area
Bristol
Birmingham
Cardiff
Devon
Essex
Gloucester
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
- On the market
- The property centre
- Place buzz
- Prime location
- Gumtree
- Open rent
- Andrews
- Rent hero
- Boomin
- Spare room
London
Stoke on Trent
Surrey
Wimbledon
Wokingham
West Scotland
South West Scotland
Rooms to rent
Search properties to buy or rent
- Zoopla
- Rightmove
- Prime Location
- Open Rent
- House Ladder
- Purple Bricks
- On the Market
- Move Bubble
- Mitula
Disabled friendly accommodation
- Search For Accessible Properties
- Mitula Wheelchair adapted bungalows to rent
- Gumtree disabled in Residential Property To Rent
- Branch properties
Pet friendly
Search pet-friendly apartments
Pet friendly accommodation.
Purchasing property
- Home buying process
- House buying tips
- Process of buying a house
- Guide to buying a home in the UK
- Guide to buying a house
- Step by step buying a home
Compare Mortgage Rates
Money Saving Expert
How to buy a home
A guide to buying a home in England and Wales
Mortgage providers
Leasehold property
- Overview
- Leaseholder rights and responsibilities
- Service charges and other expenses
- Extending, changing or ending a lease
- Buying the freehold
- Right to Manage and management disputes
- Leasehold disputes
How to sell a home
A guide to selling a home in England and Wales.
