Leaving home

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Leaving home can be an exciting and liberating experience, but it can also be stressful and difficult. Being well prepared can help the process go smoothly so that you avoid ending up in unsuitable accommodation or, worse, finding yourself with nowhere to live at all.

These pages contain advice and information on preparing to leave home, and include links to other organisations which can help you.

Getting ready

Leaving home is a massive step to take, and the key to avoiding problems further down the line is preparation. This page looks at some of the things you should think about. Read more 

Budgeting

Before you leave home, it's important to work out a budget to make sure you'll be able to afford all the new things you'll have to pay for. All those things you may well take for granted, such as hot water, food and the TV licence, will suddenly be coming out of your pocket. Read more 

Managing your money

Whether you get wages, benefits or a student grant, you have to make sure your money will cover your housing costs and your living expenses. This page will help you make sure your money lasts from one payday to the next.   Read more 

Short term housing options

If you need to move out in a hurry, or you want to leave the family home but aren't yet ready for the responsibility of a place of your own, there are several short term and 'stepping stone' housing options open you. Read more 

Longer term housing options

There are many different kinds of accommodation available for young people, and it's important that you find the right kind for you. In this section you'll find out more about the long term housing options open to you: renting from a private landlord or from the council or a housing association, or buying your own place. Read more 

Running away

You may feel that running away from home is the only solution to your problems. Perhaps you don't get on with your family, or you feel unsafe at home. Perhaps you are having problems outside the home, such as bullying. This page looks at what you can do and how you can get help if you feel you have to leave home in a hurry. Read more 

Dealing with the council

If you have nowhere safe and permanent to live, you can make a homeless application to the council. You don't have to be sleeping on the street. The council should find you a place to stay temporarily, and may offer you a permanent home. This page explains what happens when you go the council and what you can do if the council won't help you. Read more 

Mediation

If you have to leave home because of family arguments, or if your parents kick you out, you may be able to resolve your problems through mediation. A mediator doesn't tell you what to do; they help you and your parents or carers talk through your problems and reach an agreement. You won't be pressured into going back home if you don't want to. Read more 

Leaving care

Around 10,000 young people leave care every year in the UK, and up to 20 per cent experience homelessness within two years. That's why care leavers are entitled to additional support from the council and from social work. This section explains your rights and how you can get help. Read more 

Young parents

If you are a young parent thinking of leaving home, find out more about the different housing options that might be suitable for you and your children. Read more 

Young disabled people

If you're disabled, you'll need to make the same housing decisions as a non-disabled young person. Where should you live? Who should you live with? Can you afford it? You will also need to make sure that your new home meets your needs. This page explains more about your housing options and what you can do to prepare to leave home. Read more 

Young LGBT people

If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender you may be in even more of a hurry to leave home. Make sure you have somewhere to go before you move out, and don't rush to move in with a partner just to get away from home. Read more 

Help for young people

If you're having problems, don't suffer in silence. If you don't want to talk to a family member, a friend or a teacher, there are lots of organisations you can talk to instead. You don't have to tell them who you are, and they won't pass on anything you tell them, unless you are in danger and need immediate help. Read more