Too young to move?
Question
I'm 17, doing my A-levels, and living at home. My parents and I don't get on and I'm desperate to leave. What are my options?
Answer
Leaving home for the first time can be a big step so it's important you make sure you're prepared and aware of all your options. You may be able to get help to sort out the problems at home. If things don't improve you will need to find out what options may be available to you and what you can afford.
As you are 17 and you want to leave home you will need your parents' permission. However, even if you do have permission you won't be legally entitled to a tenancy until you turn 18, so you're likely to have problems finding a place to live.
Most landlords will not grant a tenancy to anyone under 18. This is because legally you cannot hold a tenancy until you are 18. However, there are ways around this. Someone can hold the tenancy on trust for you until you are 18. This can be the landlord or another adult, such as a social worker if you have one. If you are under 18, a landlord may require a guarantor, who would be liable for the rent if you failed to pay it.
So, one option is to consider renting privately. You'd need to find a landlord who would agree to you having a tenancy on trust until you were 18. To find somewhere to rent you can try estate agents/lettings agencies or advertisements in local newspapers. If you use an agency they will usually charge fees for things such as references and administration charges. You will need money up front to pay for rent in advance (usually one month) and a deposit (at least the equivalent to one month's rent). You may get help from a rent deposit scheme.
Council housing, housing associations and housing co-ops can be cheap, but in many areas it's hard to get a place. The wait can be long because they don't work on a first-come, first-served basis but you could put your name down anyway so you have a chance of getting a place in the future. If you'd like to live somewhere where you can get help and advice, you could try foyers for young people or supported housing.
If your parents ask you to leave home you may be able to make a homeless application. There are other reasons why you might be considered legally homeless, for example if it's not safe for you to stay at home. If you're suffering violence or abuse at home it may be best to leave your home quickly, but it's usually best to try to get some advice if you can.
You can make a homeless application to the housing department of your local council. If you are unsure what to do you could contact a local advice service. To get help, the council will need to decide that you are homeless, and that there is nowhere for you to go. If you were living with your parents then the council may want to explore the possibility of you going back there. The council may help you to sort things with your parents - this is called 'mediation'.
The council will also need to decide that you are in a priority need category. Most young people aged 16 and 17 are in priority need. There are exceptions for those who are not eligible due to immigration status or those who have been in care previously. If you have been in care it could be social services that has responsibility for helping you.
If the council decides that you are homeless, in a priority need category and that you haven't made yourself homeless deliberately, then it should secure housing for you.
If you find somewhere to rent, you may be eligible for housing benefit. This helps pay the rent. Housing benefit for people under 25 will usually be restricted to the average amount for a single room in a shared house in your area, unless you fit into certain categories, for example if you have a child or live with your partner. Other restrictions could be made, for example if the rent is considered too expensive, you will have to make up the difference yourself. If you are studying on a non-advanced course, for example, for GCSEs or A-levels, then you can claim housing benefit until your 19th birthday.
Your rights to other benefits would depend upon your personal situation. Your local Connexions service may offer you advice about your choices and benefits. To talk through your options you could try to find a local advice agency or you could call Shelter's free national helpline on 0808 800 4444.
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
