Thinking about moving out?

Leaving home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make at this stage in your life, so don’t do anything without thinking it through first.

Young people don’t tend to earn huge amounts of money and the cost of housing is always rising, so you’ve got to think about it before you make the decision to leave home.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to not living at home. Some might not be immediately obvious.

Advantages

• you’ll be much more independent
• you can decide where to go, what to do and who with;
• you won’t have to do certain things just to please others;
• people may treat you in a different way - as more responsible; and
• you’ll have more time and space to yourself.

Disadvantages

• you’ll have to pay the rent, gas, electricity and water bills etc:
• you’ll probably end up with less spending money than you had before:
• you’ll have to do your own shopping, cleaning and housework;
• you might feel isolated or lonely; and
• it’s more difficult if you get ill, or have a problem you want to discuss.

Where can I go?
In the current housing market there are few cheap opportunities. Less expensive possibilities include sharing a rented house with friends, or staying in board and lodging. If you can afford it, you could also rent accommodation on your own.

What if I am already homeless?
If you are recognised by the local authority as being in priority need you will qualify for council housing. If you are not seen as in priority need you could be in for a long wait. There is almost the same likelihood of getting a housing association property.

If you do become homeless, it’s best to seek specialist advice from a housing or resettlement worker. Call the Council on 020 8583 3842 to speak to someone.

What if I don’t have a choice?
Some young people leave home because their family is splitting up, or there may be serious problems that they can’t get over.

There are a few thins that could happen, but a lot depends on how old you are:

• if you’re over 18 you can decide yourself when to leave home - your parents have no legal control over you. If homeless, the local authority may have a duty to house you. Contact them for the relevant information;
• at 16 or 17 you can still leave home if your parents give their consent or if you get married (again with your parents’ consent);
• if 16 or 17 and leave home without consent you can be reported to the police as ‘missing’. If you are safe, the police are generally reluctant to get involved, but may ask other agencies to play a part;
• if you’re 16 or 17 and homeless, the Council have a duty to provide you with accommodation if they feel you will suffer more without it. If you cannot return home and ask social services to help, they have an obligation to find you accommodation.
• if you leave home aged under 16, your parents are still legally responsible for you. You could stay with another adult if he or she can obtain a legal residence order, but that’s only if there is a clear reason why you can’t return home. This is a complex area of law and you will need to seek help from a housing advice centre.
• under the age of 16 you’re still legally obliged to attend school, you cannot claim benefits or work full-time. Consequently, many young people in this situation end up sleeping on the streets and are very vulnerable.

In an emergency you should go to see the Homeless Persons Unit at the Civic Centre in Hounslow.

You can also get help from Connexions Personal Advisers [insert contact link] or you can phone the Shelter Advice Line on 0808 800 4444. The Shelter web site also has useful advice www.shelter.org.uk.

For information about council housing in Hounslow visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/housing.htm