A fire, flood or serious water leak can turn everyday life upside down. Beyond the immediate damage to your property, one of the biggest concerns is often where you and your family will live while repairs are carried out. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to leave your home for a few days, several weeks or even months. Finding suitable temporary accommodation can make a difficult situation more manageable, particularly when you need to continue working, taking children to school and maintaining your normal routines.
In this guide, we explain what happens when a property becomes uninhabitable, how alternative accommodation may be covered by home insurance and what to consider when finding somewhere to stay.
When is a home considered uninhabitable?
A property may be considered uninhabitable when damage makes it unsafe or impractical to live in.
Common situations include:
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Fire and smoke damage: Where structural damage, contamination or extensive restoration work makes the property unsuitable for occupation.
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Flooding: Where water damage requires specialist drying, cleaning and repairs.
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Burst pipes or major leaks: Where significant water damage affects flooring, walls, ceilings or essential facilities.
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Structural damage: Where safety concerns prevent occupants from remaining in the property.
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Loss of essential facilities: Where there is no usable kitchen, bathroom, running water or electricity.
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Major repair works: Where the extent of necessary repairs makes normal occupation unsafe or impractical.
Not every incident will require you to move out. The decision will depend on the damage, your individual circumstances and, where insurance is involved, the assessment of your insurer or appointed loss adjuster.
What should you do if your home becomes uninhabitable?
If your home has suffered significant damage, the first priority is making sure everyone is safe. Once any immediate danger has been addressed, there are several practical steps to take.
1. Contact your insurance provider
If you have home insurance, contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage and explain your circumstances. Your insurer can advise on the claims process, emergency repairs and whether your policy includes alternative accommodation. Many insurers have emergency claims helplines, which can be particularly helpful if the damage occurs outside normal working hours.
2. Document the damage
Where it is safe to do so, take photographs and keep records of the damage. Retain receipts for emergency expenses and any temporary repairs. Your insurer may need this information when assessing your claim. Avoid disposing of damaged belongings without checking with your insurer, unless they present an immediate health or safety risk.
3. Establish whether you need alternative accommodation
Your insurer or loss adjuster may assess whether your property is suitable to remain in while repairs take place. If you cannot safely stay at home, discuss your accommodation requirements, including the number of people in your household, preferred location and likely duration.
4. Consider your family's everyday needs
Finding somewhere to sleep is only part of the challenge. You may need to remain close to your children's schools, your workplace, family members or essential services. Thinking about these requirements early can help you identify accommodation that will be practical for the duration of your stay.
Will home insurance pay for temporary accommodation?
Many UK buildings and contents insurance policies include alternative accommodation cover when a home becomes uninhabitable because of damage covered by the policy. This may help with the reasonable additional cost of staying elsewhere while your property is being made safe or repaired.
However, the level of cover, financial limits, approval process and length of time accommodation can be funded will depend on your individual policy and circumstances. Your insurer may arrange accommodation directly or agree to reimburse approved costs. It's important to confirm the arrangements before making a booking.
If you're dealing with an insurance claim, ask your insurer or loss adjuster:
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Whether alternative accommodation is included in your policy.
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What accommodation budget or financial limit applies.
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Whether you can choose your own accommodation provider.
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Whether the insurer will pay directly or reimburse you.
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How long accommodation is initially approved for.
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What happens if repairs take longer than expected.
What type of temporary accommodation should you choose?
The right accommodation will depend largely on how long you expect to be away from home. For a short stay of one or two nights, a hotel may be a convenient solution. However, if repairs are expected to take several weeks or months, living in a hotel room can become increasingly difficult, especially for families.
A serviced apartment may offer a more practical alternative.
With separate bedrooms, living space and kitchen facilities, serviced apartments allow guests to maintain a more familiar daily routine. You can prepare meals, do laundry, work from a dedicated living area and enjoy greater privacy than a traditional hotel room. For families, having somewhere comfortable to relax together at the end of the day can make a significant difference during an already disruptive period.
What should you look for in temporary accommodation?
When choosing somewhere to stay while your home is being repaired, consider the following factors:
Location: Staying close to home can help minimise disruption to work, school and existing commitments.
Space: Consider whether you need separate bedrooms, living areas or space to work from home.
Kitchen and laundry facilities: These can be particularly valuable during longer stays, reducing reliance on restaurants and external laundry services.
Parking and transport: Check whether the accommodation provides suitable parking or access to public transport.
Length of stay: Look for accommodation that can support an extended booking if repairs take longer than originally anticipated.
Accessibility and family requirements: Consider any mobility needs, children's requirements or other circumstances that could affect the suitability of a property. If you have pets, confirm the provider's pet policy before making arrangements. The aim should be to find accommodation that allows you to continue everyday life with as little additional disruption as possible.
How long might you need temporary accommodation?
One of the challenges following serious property damage is that repair timescales are not always predictable. A relatively straightforward repair may take a few weeks, while significant flood damage, structural repairs or extensive restoration work can take considerably longer. Drying times, contractor availability, specialist assessments and the discovery of additional damage can all affect when a property becomes safe to occupy again. For this reason, flexibility is important.
When arranging temporary accommodation, discuss the possibility of extending your stay if necessary, subject to availability and any insurance approval requirements. It's also worth keeping in regular contact with your insurer or loss adjuster so that accommodation arrangements can be reviewed as the repair programme progresses.
Temporary Insurance accommodation in Hertfordshire
For individuals and families needing somewhere to stay in Hertfordshire, remaining close to familiar surroundings can make an unexpected move easier. Portfolio Serviced Accommodation provides fully furnished one and two bedroom serviced apartments in Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and St Albans.
Our apartments offer comfortable living areas, equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi and regular housekeeping, making them particularly suitable for guests who need accommodation for several weeks or months.
Whether you're waiting for repairs following a flood, fire or major leak, or arranging accommodation on behalf of an insurance policyholder, our team can help you explore suitable options. We also welcome enquiries from insurers, loss adjusters, relocation specialists and claims professionals arranging accommodation for their clients.
Finding somewhere comfortable while your home is repaired
Having to leave your home unexpectedly can be stressful, but suitable temporary accommodation can help provide stability while repairs are completed. Taking time to consider your location, household requirements and expected length of stay can make it easier to find a practical solution.
If you're looking for accommodation in Hertfordshire, explore our Temporary & Insurance Accommodation in Hertfordshire page or contact Portfolio Serviced Accommodation to discuss availability in Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City or St Albans.
Our team will be happy to help you find a comfortable temporary place to call home.