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Staying with friends or family can be a good option if you have difficulties in your accommodation and need some time to work out your options. But it doesn't give you many rights.
Possible problems if you stay with friends or family
Staying with friends or family can give you a break from problems in your accommodation. However, there is no guarantee that staying with friends or family will be a positive experience.
If you live with friends and family you will usually be a licensee, and have fewer rights than if you rent your accommodation. You have no legal protection from eviction and you can be asked to leave the property at any time.
Staying with friends or family is not a realistic long-term solution to your problems. However, it can offer you a chance to examine your options.
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Permanent accommodation options
The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
If you are staying with friends or family the Housing Executive may consider you homeless. You can also apply for accommodation from the Housing Executive or a registered Housing Association by using the Selection Scheme.
You may be able to get accommodation at short notice by renting privately. Renting accommodation from a private landlord can be expensive and the quality of accommodation varies from area to area.
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