Bed and breakfast hotels

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

If you need a place for the night, you may be able to find a place to stay in a bed and breakfast hotel. You can get details of cheap B&Bs in your area from the council or an advice centre.

What are bed and breakfast hotels like?

Most bed and breakfast hotels that will accept homeless people are run by private owners or the local council. In many places you get your own bedroom but you may have to share. The standard of the rooms might be poor and you usually have to share a bathroom. There are usually no cooking facilities so you may have to rely on takeaways.

How do I get a place?

Most bed and breakfasts will accept people at the door but others only accept people who have been sent by the council or social services. It's always best to telephone first to check that they have room or you might be turned away when you get there. You should also check whether they have any rules. For example:

• do they accept homeless people?
• do they accept people on housing benefit?
• do they accept people who are under 18?
• how long can you stay?
• will you have to leave your room during the day?

How much will it cost?

Staying at a bed and breakfast is usually more expensive than staying in a hostel and you will probably have to pay some rent up front before you can stay.

Bed and breakfast hotels don't normally accept people who have no money at all. If you aren't working or have a low income, you may be able to get housing benefit. An advice centre can help if you have problems with your claim and should be able to tell you which bed and breakfasts in the area accept people on housing benefit. Remember that it may not cover all the rent and you will have to make up any shortfall from your wages, other benefits or training allowance.

What rights would I have?

People living in bed and breakfast can be evicted very easily if they don't pay the rent, even if it's because of problems or delays with housing benefit. You probably won't have a legal right to stay if you are asked to leave. If you are threatened with eviction for any reason, get advice immediately.

What about long term accommodation?

Staying in a bed and breakfast can give you time to look for longer term accommodation. Get advice to find out what your options are. An adviser can look into your situation and may be able to:

• check whether the council's housing department has a legal responsibility to house you or whether social services can help
• tell you what benefits you may be entitled to and help you to claim them
• put you in contact with a local scheme that can help if you don't have money for a deposit
• explain how to apply for a loan or grant to cover rent in advance
• tell you if there is any other specialist help available in your area.

Use the Advice Services Directory to find your nearest housing aid centre or citizens advice bureau. Their services are free, independent and confidential.