A Place to Live

There is a lot to think about before moving out.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I want to live?

• How do I find somewhere?

• How much rent will I need to pay?

• What about other bills like heating, electricity and broadband?

• Are there benefits I could claim to help me?

• Can I continue my education and still receive benefits?

Getting support early can help you make safe and confident choices.

Many young people stay with friends or rent a room in a shared house.

If you are under 18, you cannot usually have a tenancy in your own name unless you have a guarantor.

A guarantor is an adult who agrees to pay the rent if you cannot.

Some landlords also ask for a guarantor if you have not rented before.

Shared accommodation may also be called a:

• flat share

• house share

• room share

You have your own private bedroom.
You share other areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

You can choose to:

• share a home with friends

• live with people you do not know yet

• join a property already advertised as a house share

• find people and rent a place together

Once you choose a property, the rental agreement works like any other tenancy.

If you rent a home with friends, you will usually have a joint tenancy.

This means:

• everyone is responsible for the home

• everyone must pay rent

• if one person leaves, the others may need to cover their share

In most cases, the landlord will look for a new tenant and start a new agreement, but this is not guaranteed.

If you rent a single room in a shared house, each person has their own agreement with the landlord.

The advantages:

• you only manage your own contract

The challenges:

• you may not know who you live with

• you might not always get along

This is one of the most common and affordable ways for young people to live independently.

Housing associations provide homes for people on a low income or those who need extra support.

They offer similar homes to local councils.

You can apply:

• directly to a housing association

• through your local council

You can apply to more than one housing association at the same time.

Waiting List

When you apply, you will be placed on a waiting list.

You may wait a long time because homes are matched to people whose needs fit the property.

There are a few things to consider when renting privately.

You will need to decide:

• whether to rent from a landlord or a letting agent

• how to search for a property

Renting Directly From a Landlord

You may:

• pay less before moving in

• need fewer references

• not need a credit check

Renting Through a Letting Agent

A letting agent can:

• arrange repairs if they manage the property

• speak to the landlord on your behalf

• be reported to an independent complaints service if problems arise

Money to Prepare For

Landlords usually ask for:

• a damages deposit

• rent in advance

Always ask questions before agreeing so you do not lose money.

You apply for council housing through your local council.

Each council has its own rules.

You will usually need to join a waiting list, and you are not guaranteed a home.

Ask the council how long the wait might be.

You can usually apply if you are 18 or over.
Some councils accept applications from young people aged 16 or 17.

You may be able to apply even if you do not currently live in the area.

Waiting Lists

Councils use a points or banding system to decide who gets housing first.

You may be offered housing sooner if you:

• are homeless

• live in overcrowded housing

• have a medical condition affected by your current home

When you reach the top of the list, the council will contact you.

Before buying a home, you need to understand what you can afford.

Most people need a mortgage.

You can usually borrow a multiple of your household income.

Your credit score affects how much you can borrow.

Your deposit makes a big difference.
A larger deposit often means better mortgage deals.

Government schemes for first‑time buyers may include:

• Help to Buy: Equity Loan

• Help to Buy: ISA

• Lifetime ISA

• Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership allows you to buy a share of a home if you cannot afford the full price.

Some people can get help with rent through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

If you are single, there may be limits on how much you can claim.
This is known as the shared room rate.

The amount you receive depends on your age, income, and circumstances.There are organisations that can support young people with housing and money worries.

Centrepoint

Supports young people aged 16 to 25.
Freephone: 0808 800 0661 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)

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Citizens Advice

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Offers advice on housing, benefits, and everyday problems.
Free advice line: 0800 144 8848

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Coram Voice

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Supports children and young people in care or leaving care.
Helpline: 0808 800 5792

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Shelter

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Provides information on housing and homelessness.
Website: https://england.shelter.org.uk/

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