Finding Accommodation

Finding somewhere suitable and safe to live involves a lot of thought and research. Questions to think about include:

What can you afford?
Do you want to live near your family/friends or out of the area?
Do you want to live on your own or share?
What's the local transport like?
Will you have to pay a 'bond' or deposit?
What social/leisure facilities are nearby?

The type of accommodation you can choose from is often dependent on your individual circumstances. For example, if you're under 18, you might find it difficult to rent from a private landlord unless you've got someone willing to act as a guarantor (someone who can pay the rent if you can't).

Types of accommodation include:

Council or Housing Associations Property

Different local authorities have different policies and priorities when considering applications to rent council property, so it's often best to check with the council housing department before applying. Wigan and Leigh Housing can offer advice on renting council property - contact 0800 389 7652 or check out The Wigan and Leigh Housing website for more information.

There are a number of housing associations in the Wigan borough which might be able to provide rented accommodation for young people. For more information, contact your local Connexions Centre.

Private rented accommodation

Renting private accommodation is usually more expensive than social property. If you're under 18, you might find it difficult to rent privately as landlords often require tenants to pay a 'bond' or deposit and may even ask for rent in advance. Sometimes you might be asked to sign a tenancy agreement which states your responsibilities, the length of time you're allowed to live there etc. - make sure you read the agreement carefully before signing!

Hostels and supported accommodation

If you're struggling to find accommodation, you might be able to find a room at a local hostel or foyer e.g. in Wigan the local foyer is Coops Foyer in Dorning Street, Wigan.

Hostels and Foyers usually charge rent but may offer services to support your needs. For example, Coops Foyer offers supported training as well as access to a Connexions Personal Adviser.