Temporary accommodation is available for households who become homeless and are referred by their Housing Options Officer after a homeless assessment. A limited number of temporary accommodation properties are provided throughout the borough of Trafford; however, it may not always be possible to place you in your current neighbourhood so you may have to make temporary arrangements to travel to work and or school. If you have a pet or your own furniture, please discuss this with your Housing Options Officer as these are not automatically accepted into temporary accommodation.

We will contact you to arrange for you to book in to the address where you will be living. We will complete the relevant tenancy paperwork with you. It is important that you bring along forms of identification for yourself and your family as well as any welfare benefit letters or wage slips if possible.

The rent in Temporary Accommodation includes an amount paid to the landlord for the rent and grounds maintenance, a charge for the tenancy and property management service provided by HOST, a charge for the furniture provided and in some cases a charge for utilities. It is your responsibility to pay the rent whilst you are in temporary accommodation, if you are in receipt of welfare benefits or on a low wage you can apply to Trafford Council’s Housing Benefit section for assistance with paying the rent. During the book in interview we will help you to complete the application form and then liaise with the Housing Benefit section to ensure that you provide all the necessary supporting information so that your entitlement for assistance can be correctly calculated. If the utility charge is not included in the rent, when you have moved into the temporary accommodation property you must contact the supplier and arrange payment.

We will help you settle in and explain any practical issues. There will be a lot of information at first - don't worry, we're here to answer questions. We will visit you regularly to check the property and furniture, and to see how you are getting on with moving on to more permanent accommodation.

How long you will have to wait for a more permanent property depends on your individual circumstances and requirements. The lettings and bidding system will be explained to you by your Housing Options Officer to ensure that you maximise your opportunities of being re-housed. You will also receive guidance on how to apply for social landlord or Housing Association properties, as well as information on the private rented sector.

The more flexible you are about your choice of area and property type, the quicker you are likely to be re-housed.