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Top Tips when looking for Housing for Young People with SEND

Find some Top Tips to support when looking for Housing for Young People with SEND.

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Living away from your family is a good way to build independence. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable in your home, and that you have a support network around you.

There are many things that you need to consider when moving away from your family. The type of accommodation, location and security are all important factors. It is important you think carefully about these, and that you use people you trust to help you decide. You should try and plan ahead as much as you can. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Think about whether you want to live with other people or live on your own. This could affect the type of place you want to live in, and the amount of privacy you have. A good way to help you decide is by considering the advantages and disadvantages for both.

  2. Think about the place you want to live in and how close to home you want to be. The more places you are willing to look at, the more options you have. This may include areas you do not normally visit. It is important to consider the transport, shops, jobs and other things in the area you are looking at. Remember, you do not have to move anywhere you don't want to.

  3. Do some research about different areas and living independently. There is a lot of support to help you find a place to live. You may be able to find information about:

  • Charities that help with housing.

  • Housing associations.

  •  The council that deals with housing in your area.

  • Estate agents who let out properties.

  •  Local housing workshops that you can attend.

  1. It may be helpful to make a list of any adaptations you may need in a property. You can show this when viewing a property or applying for housing.

  2. Consider how you will pay for your housing. It is important to think about your budget and how much you can afford to pay. You may also be able to claim Local Housing Allowance (LHA). The amount you receive depends on where you live. To find out more, visit the GOV.uk LHA pages [External Link].

    Universal Credit may help you with daily living costs. You may be able to claim this if you are out of work or have a low paid job. To find out more, visit the GOV.uk universal credit pages [External Link]. There is also an easy read format available.

    You may also be able to claim housing benefit under universal credit. You can make a claim if you are entitled to the severe disability premium or you are in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.

    To learn more, visit the GOV.uk Housing Benefit pages [External Link].

  3. If you want to be considered for social housing, make sure you put your name on the housing register. Lots of people want this kind of housing so waiting lists can be long. It is important you apply for this as early as you can.

    You will need to make clear what kind of housing you need and any adaptations that will have to be made. You may also want to explain that you may need support with the process.

    To find out more about social housing in Sutton, visit Encompass Homechoice [External Link].

  4. You may want to do some research about shared ownership. This is where you buy a share of a property. You may qualify for Home Ownership for People with Long-term Disabilities (HOLD) which works in a similar way. To find out more about HOLD, visit Own Your Home website [External Link].

  5. When you find somewhere you want to live, make sure to read and understand your tenancy agreement. This is an agreement between you and your landlord. It states the rules about what you can and can't do, and it is important you stick to these. It also says what your landlord is responsible for. A tenancy agreement protects your rights when renting so it is important you fully understand it. It may be helpful for you if there are pictures and diagrams in this. By signing it, you are agreeing to pay your rent and look after the property.

    Someone can sign the agreement for you if it is hard for you to understand. This could be someone you choose so it is important you trust them. You may need to attend a Best Interests Meeting if you cannot sign yourself. This will decide if you can have an unsigned tenancy agreement. An unsigned agreement can help you secure somewhere until someone can sign for you.

  6. There are many places you can contact for more support: