LEAVING HOME : The First Steps
Southend
Contents 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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An Introduction Emergency Accommodation Housing Association Council Housing Renting Housing Benefit Rights and Responsibilities Questions for First-time Renters Student Accommodation Budgeting Mortgages Index
Sheila Lord
Estelle Foilleret
Jade Whitfield
Charlotte Lindsay
Darren Smith
Manon Johnson
Shauna Newth
Mathilde Simeon
Sarah Edwards
Elise Clayton
Emily Gilmour
Introduction This booklet has been created by participants from Southend YMCA’s Southend Priorities Housing project. Southend Priorities is a Youth In Action funded project delivered by Southend YMCA. Young people worked together in groups to create a resource that their peers could use to help them find suitable accommodation, whatever their housing needs.
Benefit systems and information can change over time so please be sure to check for updated information after 2011 with the relevant organisations listed in this publication. Southend YMCA offers numerous opportunities to young people including education, volunteering, sport through to music and catering. These opportunities upskill young people and give them the CV building experience which is so vital in today’s job market.
The aim of this booklet is to give housing and accommodation information to other young people who may be considering living independently, perhaps for the first time. Please email press@southendymca.org.uk or call 01702 301301 for more information. We hope the information this booklet contains will be helpful to you if you are This booklet is also available to download at thinking about moving out for the first time. www.southendymca.org.uk, with additional information and resources. The content for this booklet was researched and compiled during the summer of 2011.
Yasmin Samadi
Sammy Lane
Effie Burrows
Lauren Connor
Giancarlo Chiarulli
Connor Barton
Florence Bady
Gary Patel
Ashton Neubauer
Will Stevens
Valeria Sibona
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Are You Homeless Or In Need Of Emergency Accommodation? If you find yourself in a situation where you need emergency accommodation, the first step you should take is to go to your local council. The Housing Options/Homeless team of the local Council can help you find a hostel or some type of emergency accommodation as long as you are 16 and over and not in school. Help is given to complete referrals to Supported Housing Schemes like Southend YMCA, South Essex Homes etc. They may be able to help find a rented property, if you have a trustee to provide a personal reference. If you are under 16 you should contact the Children’s Services department of the local Council. However, you may not be deemed a priority case if you are single and 18 or over. In this case it may be necessary for you to find your own temporary accommodation for a short period so that those who are more vulnerable can take priority. A night shelter may be available in your area as a temporary solution. In the very worst case scenario you may have to sleep on the streets for the night. (See index for contact details)
“When I was homeless, my local council really helped me. If you're homeless, make sure you contact your local council.” Sammy Lane
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If you are using drugs or alcohol and looking to seek help at the time of needing emergency accommodation, charities such as ‘CRI’ and ‘The Drug and Alcohol Team’ (DAAT) at the Council can help. It is illegal for the Council to help house refugees and asylum seekers without leave to remain in the country, only people eligible for housing can be seen to. You may need to leave your home quickly because it is not safe for you to stay. If you are experiencing violence or abuse or are homeless there are organisations that may be able to help you (see index). What if I am not a UK citizen and have nowhere to live? For advice about these situations contact the local Council and ask for the ‘No Recourse to Public Funds Officer’ (see index).
Would You Like To Know More About Housing Associations?
“I live at home so have less responsibilities and less stress but I feel less independent. I’d like to move out and have a personal space.” Gary Patel
Housing associations provide affordable homes and services for people in need of housing. There are around 1,400 independent housing associations providing 1.8 million homes across England.
Many also offer shared ownership schemes to help people on lower incomes afford the cost of owning a property and helping first time buyers put their foot on the housing ladder. Housing associations also provide much of the country’s supported housing as mentioned on page 4. They provide If you find yourself in need of housing but do specialist services for vulnerable people such not have the financial means to secure this, as those with mental health issues, learning it may be necessary to seek assistance from disabilities and/or victims of domestic a relevant ‘housing association’. violence (see the index for contact details).
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Would You Like To Know More About Council Housing in Southend? Council housing is accommodation owned by the government which is cheaper to rent than homes from a private landlord.
What happens if you find yourself with nowhere to live? Emergency accommodation may be allotted by the Council’s Accommodation Housing There are around 6,200 council houses in the Options Team. This may include referral to a Southend borough. night shelter or hostel (see page 4). The government currently runs a ‘Right to Buy’ scheme which allows tenants to purchase their home from the Council. What is the waiting list for council housing? There are 4,300 applicants currently on the waiting list. The list is prioritised by need. This is categorised by, for example, those with serious medical issues (sometimes affected by where they are currently living), those who are homeless and those with a household in disrepair. How long can people wait? This will depend on specific groups or priority ‘bands’ as defined below, how long you’ve been in a particular band, and the size of the property you are looking for. How do people get a council property? There is a choice based letting system in Southend, whereby people get to bid online for properties. Council houses used to be distributed by the council, but anyone who now wishes to bid for one can do so on up to three properties a week. The council then decides who will get each property depending on need.
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Can a young person apply for a rent and deposit loan? 16-17 year olds can by law, but someone else has to hold it ‘in trust’ (like a guarantor). Further Information: • You can take pets into homes but there are limitations in place e.g. only one dog or cat. • Illegal asylum seekers and refugees are not eligible for housing. • You can swap houses with people in different parts of the country. • The Homeless team fills up to 5 appointments a day. (Not including ‘drop-ins’). Telephone Southend-on-Sea Borough Council on 01702 215000 and ask for council housing needs department.
The c wait ouncil hou ing s li nee d. Th st is prio ing app e r lica re are itised b nts o curr y e n th e w ntly 4,3 aitin g lis 00 t.
Are You Looking For Somewhere To Rent? Most young people will rent when they first leave home. You can rent somewhere from a letting agency or from a private landlord. You may be a ‘sole tenant’, houseshare or even choose to live in lodgings.
to cover rent if the tenant is at any point, unable to pay.
If you are on a low income or unemployed then you may qualify for housing benefit and you should call your local council for Many people don’t realise that there are information about how to claim. Contact large upfront costs when renting. You’ll find details will be included at the end of that most landlords will ask new tenants for: this booklet. There is also some relevant • A deposit (usually one month and non information on housing benefit eligibility refundable if you damage anything). a little further on in this booklet (entitled • A month’s rent in advance. ‘Housing Benefit Eligibility’). Some landlords will not accept anyone who claims housing More specifically you may need the benefit or who is unemployed (see page 12). following: • References from previous landlords – What and where to look for when renting a you may be asked to give the details of house? where you have lived within the last 3 Try newspapers, estate agents, letting years. agents, word of mouth recommendations • A credit check – this will allow them to and websites. see if you have a good history of paying your bills. Living in Lodgings • Your bank details – including bank Renting a room in someone else’s home can name, account number and sort-code. be a good, affordable option. Rent often • Details of your employment – your includes bills, council tax, TV license and use employer, job title, payroll number and of wi-fi although each arrangement between salary. landlord and lodger is different. Lodging • You will usually have to provide provides the freedom of living independently character references, employment with the security and companionship that details and bank statements for the last comes with living in someone’s home. 12 months to prove your income and that you can afford the rent. Often young adults will be refused a tenancy unless they have a guarantor. The guarantor will usually have to provide their own bank/ financial details to show that they can afford
“Moving was a huge step for me because I moved to a different country to study. For some places you need a UK guarantor. I didn’t have one so I had to pay my rent 6 months in advance.” Lauranne Isabel Heres
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Housing Benefit What is housing benefit? Housing benefit is a welfare benefit designed to provide financial help for people on low income that can help you pay all or part of your rent depending on your circumstances. Who can apply? You can apply for housing benefit if you’re over 16 and either unemployed, disabled or a parent, or on low income. You can’t apply if you’re in full-time education (unless there are special circumstances). If you are single, under the age of 25 (to change to 35 in October 2011) and rent from a private landlord, you will normally only be entitled to enough housing benefit to cover the average cost of a single room in a shared house or bed-sit in your area. This rule is often known as the ‘single room rent restriction’. This rule may not apply to you if you: • Are a single parent • Are living with a husband, wife or civil partner • Rent from the council or a housing association • Are under the age of 22 and have spent time in care since the age of 16 • Are severely disabled How to apply: You can apply through your local job centre, council office or online by navigating the following website: www.direct.gov.uk. Contact Southend-on-Sea Borough Council on 01702 215000 and ask for the ‘Housing Benefit Department’.
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“I signed a tenant agreement without looking into the town I was moving to. I was very disappointed! My advice is to always research where you are going to live” Sarah Melville
What Are My Rights And Responsibilities If I Rent?
T
he General Rules of renting a property in gas, electricity, sanitation and heating, your the UK: landlord is under legal obligation to maintain these. Some landlords may not want to What are your rights? carry out basic repairs so you can do them • The right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ i.e. the yourself, just ensure the landlord has agreed freedom to enjoy the property. and you have given notice, estimations of • A contract between you and the cost and have asked your landlord to pay landlord (which can be enforced by for the repairs before holding back any rent a court of law) and which must also (these costs are NOT for you to pay). be deemed ‘fair’ by the Consumer If a landlord is refusing to organise or pay for Contracts Regulations 1999. repairs, and the house is unfit for living or • It is wise to get a tenancy agreement causing health hazards/problems, the local between yourself and the landlord in council’s environmental health officer should case any problems arise. Within this be contacted. If the local council still cannot agreement must be identifiable parties help, you can get the magistrates court to (the tenant and landlord), identifiable force the landlord to repair the property premises, a definite period (be it a fixed under the Environmental Protection or periodic term) and the allowance of Act 1990. This would, however, involve exclusive possession. Also to be included professional legal help; some free legal are terms of renting, amount to be paid advice is available from Southend CAB. in rent, the starting date of tenancy and If your landlord wants the property back agreement on length of notice to be before the date agreed to end the tenancy, given if the tenancy is to be ended. The usually they would have to give specific above can be changed as long as both notice. Depending on reasons for eviction, parties agree. the case can be taken to court. Your landlord should also give you a rent Generally speaking, landlords do not book. If you don’t have a rent book you must approve of tenants significantly changing keep records (receipts, bank statements, anything in the property (for example, cheque stubs) of your rent payments in case painting walls, changing carpets, replacing there is ever any dispute about payments. kitchen units etc.) there are some You must always be able to prove how much exceptions; always speak to your landlord you paid, to whom and when. about these sorts of things. Some private You should also have tenancy statement, landlords are not opposed to you improving which should include: the way the property looks but this must • How much your rent is be stated in a written agreement first and • When you have to pay it tenants cannot claim any money back from • How it should be paid it. Landlords are not allowed to then charge • Amount and purpose of deposit more rent due to the improvements. Any additional payment beyond rent (e.g. for However, if there are problems with water, heating).
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Questions A First Time Renter Should Ask Asking the right questions is essential when furniture? Take a tape measure with you to renting any space – here are some questions be sure. you might what to think about. 6. Make sure that the apartment will be cleaned and suitably decorated before you 1. Confirm all the claims made in the move in. advertisement and clarify any ‘sketchy’ 7. Avoid looking at properties in the statements. “Cosy outdoor space” could evening/night as you want the best possible mean an attractive little garden or a pokey light to see your potential new home, if little patio in disrepair. Ask the owner/letting someone is cagey about allowing a daytime company for accurate descriptions. viewing then perhaps they are trying to hide 2. Make sure the rent is exactly what was something. listed and that the availability date matches 8. If there’s an inventory – check that your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting everything is present, or when you come to time viewing a flat or apartment that isn’t leave there could be a problem. going to be ready for three months if you’re 9. Will you be a sole tenant or sharing a ready to move next week. tenancy with friends? If it is a shared tenancy 3. If you have any special needs or be aware that if one of you fails to pay their requirements, such as a dog or disability that rent, YOU will be legally liable for it. requires specific measures to be put in place, be sure your needs can be met. What Happens If I Have Trouble Paying My Rent? Other Things To Consider When Viewing A If you don’t pay your rent you build up rent Property: arrears. If you find yourself in a position 1. BE SAFE – Don’t ever view a property where you may pay your rent late or are alone. Ideally take someone familiar with struggling financially, talk to your landlord renting so they can help you ask the right to see if you can come to an arrangement. If questions. you end up with rent arrears your landlord 2. Do all the appliances work? Check all can: the appliances and sinks to be sure they are 1. Work with you to make an arrangement working properly. Do fixtures and fittings with you to pay off your arrears. work? (Draws, doors, windows etc) 2. End your tenancy and evict you. A 3. Are there insects or rodents present? If landlord has to follow legal procedures the current tenant is there ask them about before evicting a tenant. These procedures the severity of the problem and what is vary depending on the type of tenancy you being done to fix it. have. Your landlord will usually have to get 4. How much wardrobe/storage space a court order before you must leave your is there? Don’t underestimate how much accommodation. space your belongings will take up. 5. Are the rooms big enough to fit your
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Are You Looking For Student Accommodation? If you’re going away to university for the first time then you may need somewhere to live. Most universities have halls of residence and allocated housing support workers but it may be an idea to consider lodging or house sharing. You will find that most universities will post a housing list a few months before the start of each academic year advising existing and prospective students about all accredited local student housing within the area. “I was very nervous about moving into University halls but everyone was in the same boat and were so friendly, it really put me at ease. Moving out can be scary at first but if you’re determined and organised, it will go a lot more smoothly.” Effie Burrows
The University of Essex has a housing office that will help their students with any problems or advice. Things to Remember: 1. TV licence. (This is necessary in halls if you choose to have a television in your room) – www.tvlicensing.co.uk. 2. Obtain and complete the ‘Council Tax Exemption’ form – www.direct.gov.uk. 3. Register with a local doctor if you are moving here from elsewhere. 4. Budget your Student Loan. 5. House hunting checklist and other student housing resources are available from the National Union of Students – www.nus.org.uk.
Your Local Area: The University of Essex’s Southend Campus normally reserves their halls for first year students, international students and possible mature/masters students. After this period students usually choose to live in house/flat shares. Renting prices for halls (2012 Prices): • £115.99 a week for single rooms • £140 a week for studio flats (bills included) • Student Loans may cover this, but house shares/lodging are likely to be cheaper
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Budgeting Budgeting is a vital skill to learn, especially for those on a limited income. It can assist in many financial situations, from preventing and managing debt to saving for a well deserved holiday. In particular, budgeting can benefit households on a low band of income, first time homeowners and university students. The information below should provide you with a few facts and suggestions about budgeting that may help you to understand how you can achieve an adequate standard of living without spending beyond your means. According to the ‘Home Responsibilities Protection’ (HRP) a single person needs an income of around £13,400 a year for a minimum standard of living. When thinking about how much rent you can afford, don’t forget about other costs that will eat into your income such as bills, food and travel.
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An average, modest weekly budgeting plan may look like this (2011 prices): Food – £40 Bills & Utilities – £20 Clothes – £7 Internet & Mobile Phone – £10 min Travel – Cost depends on circumstances and whether you run a car, have a student travel voucher, cycle, use public transport or walk. Council Tax – Again this depends upon where you live and the type of accommodation you have but it can vary from £10 – 30 a week. If you receive housing benefit you may qualify for a reduction in council tax. On www.southendymca.org.uk there is a table that gives a good overview as to the kinds of foods that a typical individual or household might buy over the course of a shopping trip, plus useful recipe cards. It contains items necessary for a full and balanced diet. In the index there is a short list of websites that may be useful to you in creating good, healthy food on a budget.
Acco rd Respo ing to the ‘H n perso sibilities Pro ome n nee ds an tection’ (H year f RP incom or a m e of a ) a single inimu r m sta ndard ound £13,4 00 a of livin g.
Are You Thinking About Buying A Property? Mortgages: If you find yourself in the position where home ownership seems like a viable option to you, but are worried about the financial implications of such a choice, it is worth researching the different options available to you. This will ensure that you get the best value for money and do not over-extend your finances. Below are a few points to consider when contemplating such an important step. What is a Mortgage? A mortgage is a loan secured on a property and paid in instalments over a set period of time. The mortgage secures your promise that the money borrowed will be repaid. For most of us, a mortgage is the largest and most serious financial obligation we will ever make.
If you think you may not be ready, then you should probably focus on building your credit reputation by paying your bills, researching your prospects and saving up the financial cushion that most homeowners have. By waiting until you are financially ready, you will help ensure your success as a long-term homeowner. You can obtain a copy of your credit report from www.experian.co.uk . Types of mortgage: Choosing the right mortgage means doing your homework & shopping around because different lenders may offer different rates and fees for the same type of mortgage. Take a look at the links below for a quick insight into the kind of ‘packages’ available.
There are many different types of mortgages, each with its own advantages Responsibilities that come with a mortgage: and disadvantages. It is very important that Before taking on the responsibility of a you do your research. mortgage, which is a legally binding financial commitment that could last several decades, make sure you are ready. • Are you currently in a financial position to comfortably make the monthly mortgage payment? • Do you have a financial cushion for sudden financial difficulties (for example, insurance in the event of forced redundancy)? • Do you understand the risks if you f you ill cannot pay your mortgage in the future? hat i
t b know le phone it u o Did y ur mobi our cred yo ty pay an affec t ’ n do tc me i i t n o g? ratin
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Index Are You Homeless Or In Need Of Emergency Accommodation? First contact: Housing Options & Advice Team Ask for – Housing Options Team 01702 215002 - option 3, then option 2 (Out of hours - 01702 466550) Southend Access Point (via Family Mosaic) Strand House, 742 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2PS 0845 6027895 www.familymosaic.co.uk southendaccesspoint@familymosaic.co.uk HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) Providing a 24-hour Homeless Service 01702 430696 www.harpsouthend.co.uk Southend Night Shelter (HARP) 58 York Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2BY 01702 602193 www.harpsouthend.co.uk Shelter (For urgent housing advice) Free 24-hour helpline covering England, Scotland and Wales for people with any sort of housing problem 0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk
The Dove Project Supports adult female and children who have experienced domestic abuse, child abuse, child sexual abuse, or rape. It provides a free counselling service Mon-Fri, as well as a drop-in from 10am-4pm. Access to legal aid, housing and benefit advice 4 West Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9DA Helpline: 01702 300006 01702 302333 Southend Social Services 01702 534490 Drug & Alcohol Team (Southend-on-Sea Borough Council) 01702 215038 www.southendcdrp.co.uk Refugee Council Providing support to refugees and asylum seekers 020 7346 6700 www.refugeecouncil.org.uk Would You Like To Know More About Housing Associations? Southend YMCA provides housing for up to 30 young people 01702 301301 www.southendymca.org.uk housing@southendymca.org.uk
Southend Domestic Abuse Service (provided by Safer Places) Useful websites: Sufferers of domestic abuse who either need www.moat.co.uk accomodation or community support www.estuary.co.uk 0845 0177668 www.placesforpeople.co.uk www.saferplaces.co.uk info@saferplaces.co.uk
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Index Are You Looking For Student Accommodation? National Union of Students: www.nus.org.uk www.essex.ac.uk/accomodation www,essexstudentpad.co.uk www.essex.ac.uk/accommodation www.thestudentroom.co.uk www.direct.gov.uk
Useful websites: www.spareroom.co.uk www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/ mortgageshome/article-1597790/Top-tentips-for-renting-a-home.html www.primelocation.com/guides/renting
Consumer Credit Counselling Service UK’s Leading Debt Advice Charity, Free Debt Advice & Solutions 0800 138 1111 www.cccs.co.uk
More information and advice from this book: www.southendymca.org.uk
Food On A Budget www.supercook.com www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/258920/ Are You Thinking About Buying A Property? Meals-for-under-a-fiver www.beyondbakedbeans.com www.yourmortgage.co.uk www.halifax.co.uk/mortgages Advice services www.nationwide.co.uk/mortgages www.hsbc.co.uk/Mortgages Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882200 Would You Like To Know More About 8:30am – 6:30pm Monday to Friday Council Housing in Southend? 9am – 1pm Saturday Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Useful departments at Southend-on-Sea 01702 215001 Borough Council www.southend.gov.uk 01702 215000 council@southend.gov.uk Housing Benefit No Recourse to Public Fund Are You Looking To Rent? Council Housing Needs Southend Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) For more information and help if you have Experian (credit review) problems with rent or finances www.experian.co.uk 1 Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AL Council Tax 01702 610 610 www.direct.gov.uk 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday TV Licensing www.southendcab.org.uk www.tvlicensing.co.uk
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With thanks to:
This booklet has been funded by Youth In Action, designed and collated by the Southend Priorities Project at Southend YMCA. Credits Editorial: Design: Photography:
Sheila Lord, Darren Smith, Jane Dolby, Mike Bromfield David Cheung Jade Whitfield, Gary Patel
An online, downloadable version of this booklet is available with extra content at: www.southendymca.org.uk