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Moving out of your temporary accommodation over Christmas

If your property is managed by an agent, please contact them directly to hand in your keys and get a receipt. Do not leave the keys inside the property. For all other properties, the Housing Options Service will reopen on Friday 2 January 2026. To avoid extra charges, please return your keys to: Housing Options, Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ before midday on that day.

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Homelessness prevention: private sector renting

An alternative to making a homeless application is considering renting accommodation through the private sector. Privately renting a property gives you, as a tenant, more control over important factors such as:

  • location
  • facilities
  • schooling
  • access to services

The Housing Options Service has a number of ways to help you into privately rented accommodation, including the rent deposit scheme, and we can provide you with details of local accommodation agencies. There are also other opportunities for getting financial assistance with paying your deposit or rent in advance .

Get more housing advice and find out how we can help you to find a new home.