Housing, homelessness and leaving home

3 houses made from money Leaving home is never easy. Though it’s a normal thing to do at some stage in your life it can be worrying and more difficult than you think.

It can be difficult for young people to find somewhere to live and what you want isn’t necessarily what you’ll get. Then there’s the reality of coping with bills, little money and even loneliness.

If you have the chance, take your time to think about why and how you are going to leave home before you actually go.

Talk things over with an adult you trust, such as a relative or a family friend, or perhaps your teacher or a youth worker. If you have no one close to talk things over with, help lines or advice agencies, such as Shelter, can often be good sources of information and advice.

If where you are living is unsafe or you are worried about your safety contact socialservices line (020 7361 3013) immediately.

The facts about leaving home

If you are aged under 16:

You are treated as a child in the eyes of the law and therefore cannot leave home without your parent or guardian’s consent. If you are having serious problems at home then talk to a social worker. They will try to work out if there is any way you can stay at home.

Illustration of 3 young people talking If living at home is impossible then a social worker will look at other options including local authority care or living with a relative or friend.

If you are aged 16 or 17:

It is best to get consent from your parent or guardian but you won’t be forced to return home.
If you are having problems at home and need to move out then you will need to talk to a social worker. They will try to work out issues at home with you. If living at home is impossible then they will help you look at other options or help you apply for a hostel place.
To get a hostel place a social worker will need to undertake an assessment which will help identify how well you’ll be able to live by yourself and any other support you will need.

If you are aged 18 or over:

And are looking for somewhere to live you can apply for a council property or rent from a private landlord. If you are homeless and needing somewhere to stay you will have to apply to the council as being homeless.
You will have to fill out an application and the Council will do a detailed investigation of your circumstances.

If you have previously been looked after or are a care leaver:

Then you will need to talk to your social worker or personal advisor.

Housing