We are committed to supporting you to live in accommodation that is suitable for you.
We provide a range of accommodation as we understand that everyone has different circumstances, and the offer will depend upon your age and ability to live independently.
16 to 18 years old
If you are under 18 years old, you will be living:
- at home with a foster family
- in a residential home
- or semi-independent living (SIL) with staffing always on-site.
Your accommodation won't change as soon as you turn 16 years old, unless there is a good reason.
18 to 21 years old
Any decisions about your accommodation options will be made with you based upon an assessment of your support needs and wishes, and your status as a former relevant care leaver.
Staying put
This is an arrangement to continue living with your foster carer, but you will need to apply for housing benefit to cover some rent and contribute towards bills.
Semi-independent Living (SIL)
This is shared accommodation, which has staff on-site or floating support.
You will:
- have access to a keyworker to help you learn skills such as cooking, paying bills and making appointments
- need to apply for housing benefit to help cover the rent, and sometimes pay a service charge to cover bills.
University accommodation
You may choose to live in a halls of residence or other student accommodation, and we will provide you with financial support to help pay the rent (parental contribution).
Family and friends
Some young people choose to live with friends and family once they turn 18.
This can be a big adjustment, so your social worker will help you decide if it is the right arrangement for you, and what support you need.
Moving into your own tenancy
Your social worker will need to know that you can be a responsible tenant prior to recommending you for independent living at our housing panel.
You will need to have been paying your rent and bills on time, completed the Independent Living Skills workshops and booklet, and have settled immigration status. The housing panel will recommend the best option for you.
Read more about the panel process.
Tenancy options available to you
Social housing
You may be offered your own social housing tenancy in H&F. The council will offer a studio flat and be either a council or housing association property.
Private renting
If you chose to privately rent by yourself or with friends, the council has a rent deposit and guarantor scheme (click here for more information)
Supported housing
PATHs is our housing option if you are not ready to move into your own place and need more support. PATHs is run by our housing department in H&F for young people who are under 25 years old.
Financial support with your tenancy
Setting Up Home Allowance
You can get up to £3,000 to help you buy essential household items (such as white goods, sofa, carpet, decorating equipment) when setting up your own home.
This will be paid in 3 instalments and you will be given advice and guidance through the Pathway Plan on how best to spend the money.
You will need to provide receipts for any purchases.
TV licence and home contents insurance
These will be paid for the first year of your tenancy
Care leavers and council tax
You will be eligible for a council tax exemption as an H&F former relevant care leaver until you are 25.
Joint housing protocol
The joint housing protocol outlines how Children's Services and Housing Management will work together to support care leavers as they transition from a care placement to living independently.
The housing charter for care-experienced young people is a young person friendly version of the joint housing protocol, summarising our key commitments.