Guides

1. 1

   Work out what you can afford

   What your benefits will pay towards a room, and your other costs.

   • The shared accommodation rate explained Why most single people under 35 get the room rate, who can get the one-bedroom rate instead, and how to ask for it. 2 min read
   • Budgeting your first month in a new room The costs to plan for when you move, how to get through the wait for your first Universal Credit payment, and simple budgeting tips. 2 min read
   LHA calculator
2. 2

   Find and view a room

   Searching, enquiring, viewing and staying safe from scams.

   • Renting a room on Universal Credit: step by step From searching and viewing to moving in and reporting your new rent, including how long the first payment takes and what to do while you wait. 3 min read
   • What to ask at a viewing A checklist for viewing a room in a shared house: money, the house, the people, the agreement and the support on offer. 2 min read
   • How to spot and avoid rental scams The warning signs of a fake landlord or listing, how to pay safely, and what to do if you think you have been scammed. 2 min read
   Search rooms
3. 3

   Move in

   Deposits, rent in advance and setting up your new room.

   • Help with deposits and moving costs Where to find help with a deposit, rent in advance, furniture and the first few weeks: councils, Universal Credit and charities. 2 min read
   Help with moving costs
4. 4

   Settle in

   Your rights, repairs and living well in a shared house.

   • Your rights in a shared house Tenancy or licence, notice to leave, repairs and safety, deposits, and what a landlord can't do. For rooms in England. 2 min read
   Area guides
5. 5

   Supported housing and moving on

   Rooms with coaching, and planning your next step.

   • Exempt and transitional housing explained Supported housing where the rent is paid through Housing Benefit and you pay a service charge: who it is for, every benefit that can help, who can provide it, and the new licensing rules. 13 min read
   • Moving on from transitional housing How to plan your next step: building a rent history, using your coaching, finding a move-on room and keeping your benefits on track. 2 min read
   Move-on rooms

No guides match that search.

These guides are general information, mostly for England, and not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK or speak to an adviser such as Citizens Advice or Shelter about your situation.