Although leaving home can give you your own space and independence, it is important to first consider whether you can:

• Manage a budget for rent, council tax, electricity bill, gas bill, water rates, telephone bills, TV licence, food, travel, clothing and other necessities
• Live on a more restricted budget and perhaps live on benefits
• Cook for yourself and manage a home
• Complete your education if you have to pay your own way
• Live away from the support of family and friends

 Council Housing

There is a waiting list for council housing and how long you wait will depend on your circumstances. You can be on the Housing Register from the age of 16, although you may not be granted a tenancy until you are 18. While you are on the register you will need to inform the Housing Department if your circumstances change for example:

• Change of address or contact details
• You become pregnant
• Medical conditions or other special circumstances
• You are being asked to leave by the people you live with
• You are being harassed where you live

Council housing is usually self-contained and unfurnished (although you may be able to get financial help for furniture from the Social Fund. For further details on the Social Fund contact Jobcentre Plus). Council tenants are usually given an introductory tenancy, which is like a trial tenancy that runs for a year. During this trial year, introductory tenants can be evicted if they do not keep to the conditions of their tenancy agreement. After the first year providing the tenancy has been maintained with no problems, the tenancy becomes a secure tenancy, which means that the tenant has more security.

 Housing Associations

Housing associations provide accommodation, usually flats and bedsits, however there are waiting lists. Wandsworth's Housing Advice Service will be able to give you a list of Housing Associations that you can contact. Housing Associations usually cannot help those under 18 but there are some specialist supported housing schemes for young pregnant women and young mothers that can help those over 16. Referrals are usually made by Childrens Services or the Housing Department. 

 Renting from a Private Landlord

When renting a deposit will usually be required in advance, which is often 4-6 weeks' rent. You will be able to get this money back at the end of the tenancy providing that the property has not been damaged during your tenancy. You may be able to receive help with this deposit under the Private Sector Housing Initiative if you are homeless and in priority need and eligible for help from the council. For further information contact Wandsworth's Housing Advice Service. If this affects you contact the Housing Advice Service.

 Tenancy agreements

All tenants sign up to a tenancy agreement. This is a kind of contract to say that you are agreeing to abide by the rules of the tenancy. The agreement will set out the conditions of the tenancy and say how much the rent is. Rent arrears are a serious problem. If you fail to pay your rent you risk losing your home. Being evicted for rent arrears may cause you difficulties if you seek housing at a later date.