Housing help and advice

We will help you get the skills you need for living on your own.

If you are having problems with your accommodation, we can offer support and signpost you to services who can help you. 

Preparing to live independently

When you are in care you can access the 'passport to independence' toolkit. This is a document that your carer will work through with you from the age of 12.

It details all the skills and knowledge you should gain so you can live independently. Things like how to do your washing, ways to save money on energy bills and how to be a considerate neighbour.

You can also go on a tenancy awareness course and we will give you advice on renting. 

You might find our checklist helpful when you are ready to live on your own.

Care leavers independence checklist (PDF, 3 MB)

Housing problems

Sometimes you may experience issues with your home. This makes living in the accommodation difficult or dangerous. For example:  

• Damp or mould 
• Issues with neighbours
• Overcrowding and too many people 
• Risk of violence. Read our advice if you are in an unhealthy relationship.      

You might become homeless if you do not deal with some issues. For example, if you:

• Do not pay your rent or mortgage, or it is late  
• Behave anti-socially
• Make too much noise and get complaints 

Read our advice and guidance if you are at risk of homelessness or are homeless.

Most of the time housing issues can be sorted. However, if you have problems you must get advice and speak to someone as soon as possible. 

People who can help you

If you experience any housing issues, there are several people you can speak to:

• Your personal adviser or social worker  
• Your housing officer or neighbourhood officer if you are in council or social housing 
• The landlord or letting agency if you are in private accommodation 
• The environmental health department at your local district council. You should speak to them if you have major concerns about the condition of your home or noise complaints. Find your local district council.  
• Your local housing authority or support organisations, if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Read our advice and guidance if you are at risk of homelessness or are homeless.
• Organisations such as Shelter or Citizens Advice
• Visit GOV.UK's support for care leavers website to find support helplines