Housing advice
Council and Housing Association Homes
Local councils have houses and flats to rent in most areas. To go on their housing waiting list you will have to fill in an application form. Some may not let young people register until they are 18. Contact your local council for details.
Housing associations are organisations that rent houses and flats. Some specialise in housing for young people. Rents are usually cheaper than with a private landlord. To apply for a housing association home you either go on the councils housing waiting list or apply to the housing association direct.
Leicester City Council Housing Options Centre:
Phoenix House, Welford Place - 0116 252 7008
Emergency out of hours service - 0116 221 2770
District Council Housing Offices:
Blaby - 0116 272 7772
Charnwood - 01509 634 567
Harborough - 01858 828 282
Hinckley & Bosworth - 01455 238 141
Melton - 01664 502 502
NW Leics - 01530 454 545
Oadby & Wigston - 0116 288 8961
Private Renting
The most common type of housing for young people is renting from a private landlord. It might be a self contained flat or house, or a bedsit. Most young people move into shared accommodation such as renting a room in someone’s house or sharing a flat with friends. Some flats and houses are furnished, others you need to provide your own furniture
You usually need enough money to pay some rent in advance and a deposit. The standard of accommodation varies but there is a real shortage of good and cheap private rented accommodation. You normally have to be 18 to rent from a private landlord unless an adult acts as a guarantor (a person who guarantees to pay the rent if you don't).
Student Accommodation
Most students have to live on very little money and aren't entitled to housing benefit. Finding a suitable place you can afford can be difficult but will ensure that your studies aren't disrupted by housing problems.
If you are 16 or 17 and attending college you would not normally be offered student accommodation unless you are doing a specialist course that requires you to attend a college away from your family home.
Most universities have an accommodation office or student welfare officer who can help arrange accommodation. You may be able to get a place in halls of residence, a house or flat owned or leased by the college or university or privately rented accommodation. Accommodation costs vary between areas of the country and you might want to take this into account when choosing where to study.
Housing problems
If you are worried you might lose your home or need some support with a housing problem STAR (Supporting Tenancy and Residents) can help. If you are aged over 16 years old and live in Leicester STAR can offer help and advice on:
- Problems with money and debt.
- Feeling isolated in your home or local community.
- Setting up a new home, including buying furniture.
- If you are at risk of losing your home.
- Problems with gas or electricity suppliers.
- Advice on making your home more energy efficient.
Go to the STAR website for contact details and more information.
Your rights as a tenant
Listen to advice from TheSite.org on your rights when it comes to renting and nasty landlords.
