Must my social landlord provide temporary accommodation?

Under Awaab's Law, if an in-scope significant or emergency hazard cannot be made safe within the initial remediation period, the social landlord must secure suitable alternative accommodation at its expense until the relevant safety work is complete.

Can I refuse the temporary accommodation offered?

A social tenant can raise suitability concerns or refuse an offer. Government guidance warns that if an offer is refused and the tenant later changes their mind, the landlord does not necessarily have to make another offer unless circumstances materially change.

Does temporary accommodation end my tenancy?

Accepting temporary accommodation under Awaab's Law does not end the underlying tenancy. The arrangement is intended to last until the home is made safe, subject to the applicable rules.

Temporary Accommodation During Landlord Repairs

Q: Does my social landlord have to pay for a hotel during repairs?

If Awaab's Law requires alternative accommodation, the social landlord must secure suitable accommodation at its expense. This may be a hotel for a very short stay, but a hotel may be unsuitable for a longer stay or a household needing cooking, space or accessibility facilities.

Q: How long can I stay in alternative accommodation?

The Awaab's Law duty normally continues until the relevant safety work is complete or another specified ending event occurs. The landlord should minimise the stay, keep the tenant updated and explain delays and the expected return date.

Q: Must temporary accommodation consider children, disability and pets?

Yes. Suitability is case-specific and should consider household size, children staying regularly, school and work location, disability and medical needs, pets, facilities and expected duration.

Q: Can I stay with family instead of the landlord's accommodation?

A tenant may choose to stay with family or friends. Put the arrangement in writing and discuss reasonable additional costs, safety information and how the landlord will keep the household updated.

When does Awaab's Law require alternative accommodation?

Where a social landlord identifies an emergency hazard or significant damp and mould hazard but cannot complete relevant safety work within the initial remediation period, it must secure suitable alternative accommodation. The duty generally lasts until the relevant safety work is completed or another specified ending event occurs.

What makes accommodation suitable?

Official tenant guidance says the landlord should consider household size, children who stay overnight, disability and medical needs, work and school location, pets, facilities and the expected length of stay. A hotel that works for one night may not be suitable for several weeks.

Does my social landlord have to pay for a hotel during repairs?

Where Awaab's Law requires alternative accommodation, the social landlord must secure it at its expense. A hotel or B&B may be suitable for a short emergency stay when no better option is available, but it may be unsuitable for a longer period, a larger household or anyone needing cooking, medical or accessibility facilities.

Must temporary accommodation consider children, disability and pets?

Yes. Suitability should reflect everyone who normally lives in the home, including children who regularly stay overnight. Explain bedrooms, school or work travel, disability, medical equipment, caring duties, pets and dietary or cooking needs in writing before accepting an offer.

Can I challenge an unsuitable offer?

Yes. Asking questions or explaining why an offer is unsuitable is not necessarily the same as refusing all accommodation. Put concerns in writing and identify practical needs: accessibility, bedrooms, cooking facilities, travel, caring responsibilities or medical equipment.

What happens if I refuse?

You may choose to stay with family, remain at home or make another arrangement. Before deciding, ask the landlord to explain the risk and proposed safety measures. Government guidance says a landlord may not have to make another offer simply because a tenant later changes their mind, although a material change in circumstances can trigger the duties again.

Who pays moving and additional costs?

The Awaab's Law accommodation itself is at the social landlord's expense. Guidance also says landlords should discuss reasonable transport, moving, food or time-off-work costs and inconvenience. Keep receipts and agree arrangements in writing; reimbursement is evidence-led rather than unlimited.

Can I stay with family instead of the landlord's accommodation?

Yes. You may make your own arrangement, but tell the landlord in writing. Discuss reasonable living, transport or moving costs, the safety advice for anyone remaining at home, access for works and how updates and return arrangements will be handled.

Can a private tenant get temporary accommodation?

The current Awaab's Law social-housing duty does not yet apply to private landlords. A private landlord's tenancy terms, insurance, fitness obligations, council action or negotiated arrangements may still be relevant. Contact the council if the home is unsafe and seek homelessness advice if you cannot remain.

When can I return home?

The landlord should confirm when the property is safe and keep you updated. A tenant retains the right to return, but returning before safety work is completed may expose the household to risk. Ask for the repair schedule, safety confirmation and any precautions in writing.

How long can I stay in alternative accommodation?

The statutory duty normally continues until the relevant safety work is completed or another specified ending event occurs. The landlord should complete the work as soon as reasonably practicable, explain delays and keep the tenant informed about the expected return date.

Does this mean permanent rehousing?

No. Awaab's Law alternative accommodation is intended to protect the household while hazards are made safe. Permanent transfer or homelessness duties use different policies and legal tests.

This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Awaab's Law Claims Specialists is a trading name of Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 839699).