If you are 16 or 17 and you want to leave home, you will need your parents' permission. However, even if you do have permission, you won't be legally entitled to a tenancy until you turn 18. This could mean you find it difficult to find somewhere to live. It may be someone can hold the tenancy on trust for you until you are 18, this can be a relative or other adult or a social worker if you have one. If you are under 18, a landlord may require a guarantor, who would be liable for the rent if you failed to pay it.
Housing Benefit
If you find somewhere to rent, you may be eligible for housing benefit. This helps pay the rent. Housing benefit for people under 25 will usually be restricted to the average amount for a single room in a shared house in your area, unless you fit into certain categories, for example, if you have a child or live with your partner. Other restrictions could be made, for example, if the rent is considered too expensive, you will have to make up the difference yourself.
If you are studying on a non-advanced course, for example, for GCSEs or A-levels, then you can claim housing benefit until your 19th birthday. Bear in mind that if you go to university, you might no longer be able to claim housing benefit.
If the housing benefit department says you are not entitled to housing benefit, you may be able to appeal against the decision.
Your rights to other benefits would depend upon your personal situation. Your local Connexions service may offer you advice about your choices and benefits. To talk through your options you could try to find a local advice agency or you could call Shelter's free national helpline on 0808 800 4444.
Homelessness
If your parents ask you to leave home, you may be able to make a homeless application. There are other reasons why you might be considered legally homeless, for example if it's not safe for you to stay at home. If you're suffering violence or abuse at home, it may be best to leave your home quickly, but it's usually best to try to get some advice if you can. If you are in this situation, please contact the Housing Advice Team on 0118 974 6756 or 0118 974 6752 for advice.
You can make a homeless application to the housing department. The Housing Officer will need to decide that you are in a priority need category. Most young people aged 16 and 17 are considered in priority need although there are exceptions for those who are not eligible due to immigration status or those who have been in care previously. If you have been in care, it could be social services has responsibility for helping you. If you have been in care, please contact 0118 974 6000 for advice.
If you were living with your parents, then the council may want to explore the possibility of you going back there. The council may be able to arrange a form of mediation to enable you to stay living at home.
If the council decides that you are homeless, in a priority need category and that you haven't made yourself homeless deliberately, then it should secure housing for you.
Useful Numbers
Housing Advice and Homelessness - Tel: 0118 974 6752 / 974 6754
Housing Benefit - Tel: 0118 974 6622, 0118 974 6636 or 0118 974 6711
Benefits Agency - Reading - 0118 952 4400
Citizens Advice Bureau - Reading 0118 959 8059
Citizens Advice Bureau - Wokingham 0118 989 0389
Citizens Advice Bureau - Woodley 0118 969 9006
Shelter - 0808 800 4444 (website: http://england.shelter.org.uk/ )
Children Services – 0118 974 6000
Connexions – Reading – 0845 408 5005
Connexions – Bracknell – 0845 408 5008
Connexions – Reading – 0845 408 5003
