You should not have to live somewhere if you're at risk of domestic abuse or other violence.

Tell the council about any personal risks to you or your family.

For example, housing in an area where:

• an abusive ex partner lives or visits

• your children are at risk of violence or criminal exploitation

The council should also look at any risk of racist harassment or other hate crimes.

Damp or repair problems

All housing should be fit to live in.

It should be free from serious hazards like damp and mould, or unsafe electrics.

Tell the council about any problems you notice before you move in.

The landlord must sort out important repairs. You can complain to the homeless team if the landlord does not fix them.

Feeling unsafe in a hostel or B&B

The council should only use temporary housing that is safe and suitable.

You will get a key to your own room and can report any problems.

Many people feel worried about staying in a hostel or B&B.

It can be hard for families and for people on their own.

In a hostel you can speak to support staff if you feel unsafe.

In a B&B hotel there is less support. But there are rules about how long you can stay in B&B.

If you live there already

Temporary housing might become unsuitable if something changes or gets worse.

For example:

• you experience violence where you're staying

• serious damp or repairs problems affect your health

• someone is released from prison and this puts you or your children at risk

Find out what to do about unsuitable temporary accommodation.

Ask for a review

You might have to accept the offer for now.

The council could stop helping if you refuse a place or do not stay there.

This applies to temporary accommodation and final offers of longer term housing.

If your review is successful, the council must offer something more suitable.

You could ask to delay moving until after the review.