Housemate

Is it possible to find somewhere to live?

Shelter Cymru
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Swansea SA1 5NN
01792 469400

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Home > Housing explained > Is it possible to find somewhere to live?

There are 6.5 million young people between 16 and 25 in the UK, and they all need somewhere to live.

It is true that it can be difficult for young people to find somewhere to live. Many private landlords are reluctant to let to younger people, especially if you will be claiming housing benefit. Young people often have low incomes and no savings, which can make it very difficult to pay for accommodation. You have to be 18 to get on some housing waiting lists. So you need to be as prepared as you can be.

Are you ready to leave home?

If you are thinking of leaving home you can use our checklist Are you ready to leave home? to help you find out if you really are prepared for moving out.

You may decide that leaving is not your only option. It might be that with some help you can sort things out with your parents or carers. Speak to a worker at your youth club or to someone at a local advice centre who might be able to help you.

If you are working with young people, whether in a youth club, school, or other situation try our group work activities:

exploring the different reasons for leaving home

deciding what needs to be done when leaving home

Renting from a private landlord

After leaving home most young people will rent from a private landlord.
Find out

what's important when you're looking for a place to live
about some age related barriers to getting a tenancy and
getting on a housing waiting list

Other options

There are other options around and this site gives you some information on:

the different types of accommodation available for
young people
age restrictions when going on a housing waiting list

Paying the rent and money to live on

What you can afford to pay will affect where you can live. Find out about

improving your choices if you have limited cash

Homeless tonight?

Even if you have nowhere to go tonight there may still be help available.

Find out what you can do if you are homeless tonight.

Need more information or advice?

It is always worth getting advice. You can get advice about housing options from housing aid centres, Shelterline, a citizens advice bureau, your local council or a local advice agency.

And don't forget your friends who have already left home. They are often the best source of advice.

The Shelter Cymru website has more online information about how homeless people can get help in Wales. The situation in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland is similar but there are some differences. Go to the Shelter website if you are not living in Wales.

Verified 30 August 2005
This page applies to Wales
Disclaimer The information contained on this site gives only general guidance about housing issues in the Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the housing rights and options of young people. If you have any housing problems you should always get advice.
© Shelter Cymru