Housing options for
young people
Leaving home and living on your
own is a big decision.
You can explore your housing options by talking to one
of our Customer Service Advisors at any of the eight
Local Service Centres.
I am under 16 years
old
If you are 15 and under and there are problems
at home, you can contact Childline. Call
ChildLine on 0800
11 11 for help & advice at any time for any problem you
have.
I am 16 to 17 years
old
If you are 16 - 17 years old and
have been asked to leave home we may be able to help you with your
housing problem. Before you leave home it is essential that you
seek advice immediately.
You might be entitled to direct assistance from the council. For
initial help and advice contact any of the
Local Service
Centres.
I am 18 to 25 years
old
-
Shelters and hostels
There are limited hostel places for young people who need
assistance to live independently, some hostels you can directly
access, and some require you to be referred by an agency, see our
article on
shelters and hostels for more information.
- Private
renting
Renting from private landlords are usually the best options
available to the majority of people.
If you have a low income or a student, living in a shared house is
a cheaper alternative. If you are a single person under 25 years
old, and you need to claim housing benefit to pay your rent, you
will only be entitled to enough money for a room in a shared
house.
See our page on
private tenant
informtion for tips on how to find your own place.
-
Care
leavers
If you have been looked after in care, you may be
entitled to housing assistance from the council.
Contact us and request an appointment with one of our Housing
Advisors.
-
Housing register
If you want to register for council and
housing association housing, see our pages on
how to apply.
I want to leave supported
accomodation
If you are ready to leave your supported accommodation you can be
referred to our
Housing Options and Advice team.
One of our Housing Advisors will meet with you
discuss your needs and review your housing options to help you find
suitable accommodation.
Most people find accommodation in the private rented sector that
means you would rent a room or flat directly from a private
landlord. The team will make sure you understand what your rights
and responsibilities are whilst renting, and ensure that Housing
Benefit is in payment.
If necessary the Housing Advisor will put you in contact with any
other support services to ensure your new move is a success.
If you are under 25, the amount of Housing Benefit you will receive
is restricted to the amount to cover a single room but the team can
still help you find a flat share with other young people.
For tips on find a place to rent, please see our articles on
Private Tenant Information.
Contact any of our
Local Service Centres for initial
advice and help.