Temporary housing must be suitable for as long as you live there.

Tell the council about any changes that could mean it's not suitable anymore.

For example:

• you're overcrowded because you have more children

• you need an adapted property because of a disability

• serious damp or repair problems are affecting your health

• someone being released from prison puts you at personal risk

• you cannot afford the rent because it's gone up or you've lost job

Bed and breakfast hotels (B&B)

Councils should only use B&B hotels if there is nothing more suitable.

The council should not use B&B hotels for:

• 16 or 17 year olds who live alone

• single care leavers under 25

If you have to stay in B&B, it should be for the shortest time possible. The council should offer more suitable housing as soon as they can.

Families in B&B for more than 6 weeks

You should not have to stay in a B&B for more than 6 weeks if:

• children live with you

• you're pregnant or live with someone who is pregnant

The 6 week limit includes any time in emergency housing. But you cannot ask for a review until the council accept the main housing duty.

This time limit does not apply if you moved to the UK in the last 2 years. You may have to stay in a B&B for longer.

Complain to the ombudsman

Your review might not be successful even with the help of a legal adviser.

If you get a bad service, or the council do not follow the right process, you could:

1. complain to the council first

2. ask the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) to investigate

The LGSCO is a free independent service. They look at complaints about council services.

For example, if the council do not tell you about your right to a review. Or if they accept that your temporary accommodation is not suitable but do not move you quickly.

The LGSCO cannot legally change the council's decision.

But they can recommend changes to the decision or processes, and personal compensation.