Connexions Tameside

We all need somewhere to live; most likely you're living at home with your family, and will do that until you're going to university or have got a job in a different area or get married. As it's become more difficult to get a mortgage people are living in their family home for longer, perhaps into their 30's!

You may have problems living at home that could mean you'd need to look for your own accommodation. There's basic information in this section that will help you, and you can also talk to your Personal Adviser at the Connexions Centre.  

Legal stuff – your rights!

• Basically if you’re under 16 your parents/carers have a responsibility to look after you, and you cannot legally leave home.
• Between 16 and 18 you can leave home, with your parent/carer’s permission. Almost all 16 and 17 year olds are judged to be in 'priority need' when it comes to housing.  This means the housing department of your local authority can help find you somewhere to live.
• If you're over 18 legally you can leave home – but it's a big step and finding and paying for accommodation is not simple. The law is not very clear about whether people 16 -18 can enter into a legal tenancy, and you would not be able to apply for a mortgage under the age of 18, even it you had the money for a deposit.If you’re over 18 legally you can leave home – but it’s a big step and finding and paying for accommodation is not simple. The law is not very clear about whether people 16 -18 can enter into a legal tenancy, and you would not be able to apply for a mortgage under the age of 18, even if you had the money for a deposit.

There’s information on Adviceguide  for 16 -18 year olds.

Money for housing

Depending on your situation you might be able to get some help towards the cost of your accommodation. Check Directgov to find out what you may be entitled to.

Housing benefit is paid through your local authority, Tameside Housing Department.

You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Weblinx for more useful websites.