Temporary Accommodation Rights in Brighton & Hove
This page is the coalition’s complete public guide to temporary accommodation rights, suitability rules, reporting problems, and using evidence to challenge unsafe placements.
Families should not be kept in B&B accommodation longer than lawful limits without challenge.
Submit unsafe accommodation, delays, or out-of-area placements directly to the coalition.
See what the coalition has formally demanded on temporary accommodation and how members voted.
What temporary accommodation should provide
Temporary accommodation must be suitable for the household, not just available. Suitability means the council has to consider health needs, family size, location, safety, and access to schools, work, support, and healthcare.
If the placement is unsafe, too far away, too small, or not fit for your household’s needs, it can be challenged. The page should make this clear in plain English and direct people to action quickly.
Use this section to explain the key legal points in short paragraphs, then link to deeper guidance. Put the practical rights first, and put the legal references underneath so residents see the action before the citations.
Key rights to explain
Coalition motions on temporary accommodation
Filter the coalition’s motions by topic and status. These are the formal positions passed by members, with linked results so residents can see the decisions and the evidence behind them.
Report a case
Use this form to report unsafe temporary accommodation, delays, out-of-area placements, or council inaction. You can stay anonymous if you want to, but adding contact details helps us follow up.
Advice, support, and linked reading
This section is your internal link engine. Use it to connect this page back to the strongest related pages on the site and to trusted external resources. That helps residents move from rights information to action.
Coalition resources
Trusted advice
Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse temporary accommodation?
You can challenge accommodation that is unsuitable for your household, especially where location, safety, health needs, or family circumstances are not properly considered.
What counts as unsuitable accommodation?
Suitability can include overcrowding, poor conditions, lack of cooking facilities, distance from schools or support, accessibility issues, and risks to health or safety.
How long can a family stay in B&B accommodation?
Families should not be kept in B&B accommodation beyond lawful limits without a proper review and urgent action to move them to suitable accommodation.
What should I keep as evidence?
Keep council letters, screenshots, photos, dated notes, medical letters, school letters, and any messages that show delay, harm, or repeated complaints.
Can I ask for a review?
Yes. If the placement or decision is wrong, ask for a suitability review and keep a copy of everything you send.