Charges information
Temporary accommodation is more expensive than private rented accommodation because the weekly rent and service charges are used to cover rent, repairs and utility bills. Service charges, if applicable, include Council tax, electricity, gas and water bills, repairs and furniture, and must be paid by the tenant.
When you sign your licence agreement for temporary accommodation, the housing team will assist you in making a housing benefit application. The Housing Benefit team will assess your eligibility, and you may receive a payment for all your rent or part of it. If only part of the rent is covered by housing benefits you will be expected to cover any shortfall. Housing benefits do not cover service charges and that will be paid by the tenant.
The officers will not be able to complete your claim if you are in receipt of universal credit housing costs, so you must contact the Department of Work and Pensions to immediately to cancel this once you sign up for temporary accommodation. They will also require evidence of income and bank statements, which you must provide.
If you become in arrears you may face eviction from temporary accommodation and the Council will discharge its duty to you.