At what age can I leave home?

Unless you feel unsafe at home you should stay there until you are fully prepared to move out.  

If you are under 16 you are not legally allowed to leave home unless there are serious problems such as violence or abuse.  If this is the case contact Children’s Social Care (see below for contact details) or your Connexions Personal Advisor (see below for contact details) immediately. 

If you are 16 or 17 you need a parent or guardian's consent before you leave the family home, unless you are at risk of harm or are in physical danger where it would not be safe to remain in your present accommodation.

If you are 18 or over you do not need permission to live independently, but be aware that reasonably priced accommodation is very hard to find so it is important that you plan any move carefully with support.

You might want to live somewhere different from where you are now.  Before you make any plans it is a good idea to talk to someone first.

Living with friends

Some young people move out of home and stay with friends. Often this happens after an argument or a relationship breakdown.  You can end up moving from place to place or 'sofa surfing'.  This can provide time for you to sort out problems at home, but beware of outstaying your welcome.  Without a settled address you will have problems with benefits, employment, education and things like cooking, laundry and friends coming round.  If you do not have any income or benefits you may not be able to give a contribution for your bed and food. 

Private renting

Many people's first home is rented from a private landlord. You nearly always have to pay rent in advance and a deposit before you can move in.  Most tenancies are for 6 or 12 months, but can be extended.  If you are under 18 you will have real problems finding somewhere, as legally you cannot hold a tenancy.  If you are under 25 and on a low income the amount of Housing Benefit you can claim is limited, and it is unlikely you will be able to afford your own self contained property.

Peterborough City Council can, in some instances, provide an interest free loan to help people pay for a deposit on a private tenancy.  This is a limited fund and not everyone will be eligible.  In order to qualify for this rent deposit loan you will need to be over 18 years old, meet certain criteria and be interviewed by a Housing Options Officer.

Housing Associations

Housing associations are 'non-profit' organisations that provide housing for rent.  There are a few of these in Peterborough but you need to apply through Peterborough City Council Housing Options at Bayard Place. 

PeterboroughFoyer

Foyers are a safe place to live with personal support, training and employment advice.  They offer young people the chance to escape the 'no home, no job' cycle, enabling them to develop new skills and confidence.  Peterborough Foyer is conveniently situated near to Peterborough Regional College with accommodation for up to 49 young people between the ages of 16 and 25.  You need to be referred by Peterborough City Council Housing Options.

Direct Access Hostels

At present, there are two direct access hostels in Peterborough. This means that if you have no where to stay, you can approach these hostels yourself to see if they have any rooms available.  The hostels are shared facilities and there is a charge for staying at this accommodation.

The New Haven - 21 Towler Street, Peterborough, PE1 2TX 

Tel : 01733-554858 (17 years old and over)

YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Time Stop - 101 Wellington Street, Eastfield, Peterborough, PE1 5DU

Tel : 01733-891891 (16 to 25 year olds only)

Look at this page on our site for help for homeless people from Peterborough City Council