In the fast-moving world of project work and corporate relocation, the term “digs” (short for lodgings) is a staple. Whether you are a site manager on a six-month contract or a consultant working away from home for the week, your accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your sanctuary.
However, living in company-provided accommodation comes with a unique set of legal rights and personal responsibilities. In 2026, with the Employment Rights Act 2025 now in full effect, it is more important than ever for workers and employers.
In the fast-moving world of project work and corporate relocation, the term “digs” is a staple. Whether you are a site manager on a six-month contract or a consultant working away from home for the week, your accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your sanctuary.
However, living in company-provided accommodation comes with a unique set of legal rights and personal responsibilities. In 2026, with the Employment Rights Act 2025 now in full effect, it is more important than ever for workers and employers to be on the same page.
Here is the Housd guide to navigating your rights and duties while living in UK digs.
1. Understanding Your Legal Status
In the UK, your rights often depend on whether you are a Service Occupier or a Service Tenant.
- Service Occupier: You must live in the property to do your job (e.g., a caretaker or a manager living on-site). Your right to stay usually ends the moment your job does.
- Service Tenant: Your employer provides the home, but living there isn’t strictly essential for the role. You often have more protection under standard tenancy laws, meaning your employer may need a court order to evict you even if you leave the job.
2. Your Right to a “Decent Home”
Even if the accommodation is temporary, you have the right to a safe, healthy environment. Under the Building Safety Act and updated 2026 regulations, your digs must meet specific standards:
- Health and Safety: The property must be free from “Category 1” hazards, such as damp, mould, or faulty wiring.
- Fire Safety: Functioning smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with fuel-burning appliances are non-negotiable.
- Right to Repair: If the boiler breaks or a window won’t lock, your employer (or their provider, like Housd) is responsible for fixing it within a reasonable timeframe.
3. The Rules on Wage Deductions
If your employer deducts “rent” or “lodging fees” from your payslip, they must follow the Accommodation Offset rules.
- The law limits how much an employer can deduct if they want to count that accommodation toward the National Minimum Wage.
- As of 2026, these rates are updated annually. Your payslip must clearly show these deductions to ensure transparency and compliance.
4. Your Responsibilities as a Resident
Rights come with responsibilities. To keep the arrangement running smoothly (and to ensure you are welcomed back for future projects), workers are expected to:
- The “Good Neighbour” Policy: Most digs are in residential areas. Respecting noise curfews and local parking rules is essential for maintaining the reputation of your company.
- Reporting Hazards: You have a duty to report maintenance issues immediately. A small leak ignored on Monday can become a collapsed ceiling by Friday.
- Cleanliness and Care: While deep cleaning is often handled between stays, maintaining a basic level of hygiene and treating the furniture with care is a standard contractual requirement.
- No Unauthorised Guests: Most corporate housing agreements strictly forbid overnight guests for insurance and safety reasons.
Why Housd Makes the Difference
Managing the “Rights and Responsibilities” balance is where Housd shines. We act as the professional buffer between the company and the employee.
- For the Worker: We ensure every property is pre-vetted, safe, and ready for move-in, with a 24/7 helpline if something goes wrong.
- For the Employer: We handle the compliance, the contracts, and the “difficult conversations,” ensuring your staff are happy and your business is legally protected.
Secure your team’s next home today
Living away from home is a challenge, but the right digs make it an adventure. Let us find the perfect balance for your team.
