The thought of living by your own rules, coming and going as you please and not answering to anyone probably sounds good. The reality may be a bit of an eye opener though.
If you live at home with your parents there will be times when everyone doesn’t get along. Most people who are homeless are not living on the streets – they are staying with friends or relatives, on a settee or in the spare room, living in a B&B or other temporary situations. Being homeless simply means you do not have a ‘home’, though you may still have a roof over your head.
If you have to leave home…
Try to take all important papers with you, you’ll need things such as your birth certificate, passport, National Insurance number, driving licence, bank book, medical card, address book, exam certificates and benefit papers. Pack only essential clothes and toiletries – you may have to carry your stuff around. You can get the rest of your things later if you can’t take it all at once.
Save as much money as you can in advance. If you can leave the house early in the day. A lot of places that can offer you help are only open during office hours (9-5:30) and not at weekends.
Remember that sorting out benefits as well as a place to stay usually takes a lot of time and can be stressful – be prepared for delays and frustration. If you are looking for a place to live the council may have a duty to find you emergency accommodation.
Otherwise your main options are:
Council Housing or Housing Associations
This is usually cheaper and more secure than renting privately. Accommodation is usually self-contained and unfurnished. There is a waiting list and how long you wait will depend on your circumstances. It’s a good idea to put your name down on the list in any case, unless you’re sure you don’t want this type of accommodation.
View more information on housing from Darlington Borough Council
Renting from a Private Landlord
Landlords rent out property to make money. In accommodation can be scarce and therefore usually expensive and standards will vary. Lodging with someone (where you live with your landlord or share living space) can be ‘more-friendly’, though as a lodger you have fewer rights than as a tenant.
Where to look
Evening Newspapers – Look in the Evening Gazette and phone any that look suitable straight away ( ‘accommodation to let’ is usually shared housing. ‘property to let’ is self-contained e.g. flats).
Adverts – in post offices and shop windows you will usually find notices offering accommodation.
Visit the Citizens Advice Bureau to find out if they can help.
If you need help with housing, visit the Shelter website or Ask Sam a question