We will give you written confirmation of how much you must pay for your accommodation and when you must pay it. You are responsible for paying this money from the date that you move into the property. 

You can pay by Direct Debit or in person.

Find out how to pay your council housing charges.

In the first week, you should: 

• read and make sure you understand your licence or tenancy agreement 
• register for gas, electricity and water so the bills are in your name 
• update your Universal Credit account with your new address 
• use the form on our website to make a new claim for Housing Benefit  
• check if you need to pay council tax 
• if you need to pay council tax, you can apply for Council Tax Support 

If you have any questions, contact your Temporary Accommodation (TA) Officer: 

Temporary Accommodation 
Telephone: 020 8921 2333 
Email your TA Officer using their first and last name, like this: firstname.lastname@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 

Your responsibilities 

Your landlord will: 

• make sure all the gas and electrical equipment is safe, and has been installed properly 
• keep your home safe and free from anything dangerous, like broken plug sockets 

You must: 

• pay your housing charges and bills on time  
• look after the accommodation and not damage anything 
• have care and consideration for your neighbours and anyone sharing your home 
• report any repair needs to the right person – your TA officer will tell you who that is

You could be evicted if you do not pay your housing charges, or you break your licence or tenancy agreement. It is unlikely that we will be able to give you another place to live, and you will have to find somewhere yourself.  

If this makes you homeless, and you ask us for homeless support again, we may decide that you are intentionally homeless. This means we would be unable to offer you a long-term home.  

Read Shelter’s guide on how to avoid being found intentionally homeless. 

Report a problem with your temporary accommodation 

You should tell your landlord first if something is broken and needs to be repaired. Their contact details are on the paperwork you got when you moved in. If they do not reply, contact your TA officer. 

If you feel unsafe, tell your TA officer straight away. It’s usually quicker to email them. 

TA officers are available Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. 

If someone’s life is in danger, call 999. 

Move out of temporary accommodation into a long-term home  

You should look for a private rented home while you’re in temporary accommodation.   

Your Housing Inclusion Officer will help you and give you as much information as they can about finding a long-term place to live. 

Our help may involve:   

• giving you advice about how to deal with debt and make a budget  
• giving you advice about how to apply for benefits  
• showing you how to search for a home that fits your needs  
• discussing how looking in areas outside London will make it easier to find a property  
• discussing other organisations that can help  
• paying your deposit if you meet the criteria 

Find an affordable home to rent 

If you have been accepted onto the housing register, you can start to bid for council and housing association properties.  

How to bid for social housing.