Information » Family & Relationships » Separation and Loss » Leaving Home
- If you are over 18, you can leave home without your parents´ permission
- If you are 16 or 17, you will need your parents´ consent before you leave. If you are under 16 then you do not have any right to leave home unless your safety is at risk
- If you do leave home you may encounter difficulty in finding a home to rent as you will not be permitted to have a tenancy until you are 18
- If you are unhappy or in danger then there are people you can talk to for information, support and advice, such as getting emergency accommodation. See the links at the end of this section
- If appropriate, speak to your parents or carers about what you are planning to do. They may be able to help you
- It may be worth visiting your local housing aid centre who can talk you through your options. For information on your nearest centre, contact Citizens Advice (see links below)
- Whatever your reason for leaving home, make sure you have somewhere to go. Leave time to find accommodation as it may take longer than you think
Finance
- It is also important to sort out your finances before you leave home. Draw up a budget of your incoming money and your outgoing money to see how much you can afford
- If you are looking to move into rented housing you will need to pay a deposit, which is usually at least one month´s rent in advance
- If you need to buy household items, shop around in second hand shops and sales or ask your friends and family what they can spare
- If you´re renting privately, you may be eligible for housing benefit from your local council to help with your rent payments
- If you are leaving care or you are disabled, you may be entitled to a community care grant
- It is best to speak to somebody at the Citizens Advice Bureau about your options to find out about the financial support available to you (see contacts below) before you make any decisions
