Housing
There are lots of things to think about when you are first setting up home, and much of this will depend on the type of housing you move into. The section below tells you about council housing:
Anyone can apply for council housing, but generally only people over 18 years old are eligible. You can submit an application form if you are 16 or over. However, if you are 16 or 17 your application may become active if there are special circumstances, e.g. you are pregnant or have a child and have nowhere to live. In such cases people under 18 will be considered if they have a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who ensures the tenancy holder does not breach any section of the tenancy agreement. This includes ensuring that:
- The rent is paid.
- The property is kept clean and tidy.
The council doesn't normally offer housing to people during their first four months on the housing waiting list. But in some cases people will receive offers during the first four months of their application, e.g. people classified as homeless by law.
If you wish to check whether or not you are eligible, please contact your area housing office.
Private Housing:
If you are moving into private housing (e.g. you are buying your house or are renting from a private landlord rather than the council), you will need some money to get yourself started. Before you sign the tenancy agreement/lease, make sure you thoroughly read and understand it, so that you know exactly what's in the property you are signing for.
To rent a house or flat you will probably need a deposit which is usually a month's rent, plus your first month's rent in advance. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus to see if you're entitled to any financial help.
Only buy the essentials when you first move in - you can always buy extra things later (see the section on finance/budgeting). Make sure the place is safe - get a smoke alarm fitted if there isn't one already, or if there is, check that it works.
Utilities (e.g. gas and electricity). Any house/flat you move into will have a gas and electricity meter that measures the amounts you use. It is important when you first move in to write down a meter reading so that you aren't charged for what previous tenants have used. There are different ways to pay for gas and electricity - there are weekly or monthly budget plans, meters that you buy tokens for. Check this with your landlord/council housing department.
