Housing Update: All In A Day’s Work

by | Feb 26, 2025

Our team turnaround multiple properties a week, often with only hours to spare before the new check-ins. This is a family unit that was turned around with short notice for a mother and daughter in need of safe and clean shelter.

Running Supported Temporary Accommodation vs. Running a Hotel

Providing supported temporary accommodation for homeless or vulnerable individuals may seem vastly different from running a hotel, but in many ways, the two share operational similarities. Both require structured management, hospitality skills, and a commitment to ensuring safe, comfortable stays. However, the purpose and challenges involved set them apart.

Similarities Between Supported Accommodation and Hotels

1. Managing Occupancy & Bookings

Just like hotels, supported accommodation must carefully manage occupancy levels, ensuring rooms are available for those in need. This involves processing referrals, handling check-ins and check-outs, and coordinating placements efficiently – ensuring the referral is in suitable accommodation for their needs (self-contained vs shared, stairs or no stairs, etc)

2. Facilities Management & Maintenance

Both settings require routine maintenance and diligent turnarounds to keep rooms clean, safe, and habitable. Repairs, and adherence to health and safety regulations are essential in ensuring a well-run facility or portfolio.

3. Security & Risk Management

Whether in a hotel or supported accommodation, guest safety is paramount. Staff must monitor the premises, enforce rules, and address any incidents that may arise.

4. Customer Service & Support

Hotels prioritize guest experience, while supported accommodation staff provide essential services, including emotional support and signposting to additional resources, as well as ensuring council requirements are met and the individual is cooperative. In both cases, responsive, empathetic staff make all the difference.

 

Key Differences: Purpose & Support Services

Short-Term Stays vs. Stability & Rehabilitation

Hotels offer short-term stays for leisure or business travellers, while supported accommodation focuses on providing stability and a pathway towards long-term housing for vulnerable individuals.

Support Services Beyond Shelter

Unlike hotels, supported accommodation includes welfare checks, intervention when required, and pathways to permanent housing.

Guest Expectations & Challenges

Hotel guests expect luxury, convenience, and seamless service, whereas supported accommodation residents may struggle with mental health issues, addiction, or trauma, requiring a more compassionate and patient approach.

 

Conclusion

While both settings require strong management, security, and hospitality, temporary accommodation is about more than just providing a place to stay—it’s about creating a foundation for long-term change.

By recognizing these similarities and differences, we can continue to improve services for those who need them most, ensuring that supported housing operates efficiently while providing the care and dignity every individual deserves.

 

At Living Concepts, we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to tenants moving out of a property.

From curtains being packed up with the last box to carpets mysteriously disappearing, it’s safe to say nothing surprises us anymore. But while it may feel harmless to take an item you’ve grown fond of, the consequences can be far greater than most tenants realise.

 

What Belongs to the Property, Stays with the Property

When you move into a rental home, many fixtures and fittings – such as carpets, curtains, blinds, appliances, or even garden features – are part of the property. Unless you personally installed them (with the landlord’s written consent) and have a prior agreement to remove them, these items must remain when you move out.

Think of it this way: if you didn’t bring it with you on day one, you probably shouldn’t take it on the last.

 

Why Tenants Sometimes Do It

We understand the reasoning – sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, sometimes it’s sentimental, and occasionally it’s frustration with the landlord.

But whether it’s intentional or accidental, removing items that belong to the property is legally considered theft and can have long-term consequences.

 

The Consequences of Taking What’s Not Yours

    • Deposit Deductions: The cost of replacing missing items is usually taken straight from your deposit – often at a higher cost than what you’d expect.
    • Additional Charges: If the replacement exceeds your deposit, landlords can pursue further payment, even through legal channels.
    • Loss of References: A poor reference from a landlord can make securing your next rental significantly harder.
    • Legal Action: In extreme cases, removing items from a property can be treated as theft – a risk no tenant should be willing to take.

A Better Way Forward

If you’ve grown attached to the curtains or furniture, or perhaps invested in your own upgrades during your tenancy, speak to your landlord before moving out. In many cases, they may be open to negotiation: you could replace the item with your own, buy the existing one at a fair price, or agree to leave improvements in place.

 

Our Advice to Tenants

    • Do a walkthrough: Before moving, walk through the property with your inventory report in hand. Double-check what needs to stay.
    • Ask questions: If in doubt, ask your landlord or agent – it’s always better to clarify than assume.
    • Leave the property as you found it: Think back to move-in day. That’s your benchmark for move-out day.

At Living Concepts, we encourage respectful landlord–tenant relationships.

Leaving a property in good condition and with all its fixtures intact not only protects your deposit, but also your reputation as a tenant.

After all, moving out is a fresh start – why risk carrying unnecessary baggage with you?