Short term
Hostels
Ranging from dormitories to individual rooms. Some provide self-contained accommodation for pregnant women or
parents and their children.
Bed and breakfast hotels
These are often expensive, but don’t be misled by the word ‘hotel’. Standards vary, there are usually no
cooking facilities and you may not be able to stay there during the day. Check if they accept children and people
on benefit.
Places of refuge
This accommodation is mainly for women and children who have suffered domestic violence, threats or abuse and
need a short-term, safe place to stay.
Short-life housing
Short-life cooperatives usually provide temporary housing to single, homeless people, but some accept families
with children. Contact Shelter or the housing adviser at your local Citizens Advice office (CAB) for more
information.
Longer term
Local council housing
Some local councils don’t own or manage their own housing and use local housing associations instead. Contact
your local council to find out how to apply for council housing and other information you may find helpful.
Some local councils in Scotland have a common housing register. This is a joint waiting list for housing from the
local council, local housing associations and housing co-ops.
Housing associations
Housing associations usually charge less rent than private-sector landlords and you won’t need a deposit. But you
will probably pay more than if you were renting from a local council, and there is often a long waiting list.
The National Housing Federation keep
lists of housing associations by area. You can contact them on 020 7067 1010.
Housing cooperatives
These are small housing organisations that are managed cooperatively by their members, who are also tenants
or sometimes own the properties. They are an alternative to buying or renting privately, but most of the places are
taken by people nominated by the council from its waiting list. Members must contribute towards the day-to-day
running of the cooperative.
Private landlords
Private rented accommodation isn’t always better than other types of rented housing. Although a short-term lease
may suit you now, it will give you fewer rights. Your local council’s housing service may provide you with a list
of lettings agents and good landlords. They may also provide financial help if you are on a low income.
Buying a home
You may want to buy your own home. Check that you can afford to buy by completing a budget sheet, showing your
new income and expenses. What you find out may surprise you.
Low-cost home ownership schemes
If you can’t afford the homes for sale by estate agents, you may be able to buy a home for less than it would cost
on the open market. Contact your local council for more information.
The 2 main schemes in England are HomeBuy and shared ownership. In Wales, the HomesWithinReach scheme helps
eligible first-time buyers. In Scotland, Homestake is offered by housing associations to help people on low incomes.
