Supported housing

Supported housing means you can get help to live independently. The length and type of support you get depends on your personal situation and what your needs are.

The support can include help with:

• your physical and mental health
• practical things like sorting out benefits, cooking, shopping, paying bills
• getting you in to education, training or work.

Supported housing should help you get the skills you need to live safely in your own place.

Supported accommodation can be in:

• a hostel or other temporary accommodation, often with other people
• self-contained accommodation, such as a flat, with regular visits from support workers.

Supported housing is often provided by housing associations, charities or local councils. You might be offered supported housing if you are leaving care or at risk of becoming homeless.

To find out about supported housing in your area, contact your local council. Find out who your local council is here.

Your rights depend on:

• the type of accommodation
• the support you get
• the type of agreement you have with the owner or organisation that gives you support.

If you have been provided with accommodation because of support needs, then the type of agreement you have depends on how long you have lived there. You are likely to have a licence for the first 6 months.

After you have lived there for 6 months your landlord should give you a supported standard contract, unless they have permission from the council to extend your licence.

If you have a supported standard contract you have more rights, and your landlord has to get a court order to evict you.

Get help if you are not sure what type agreement you have or are being evicted.

Supported housing is not meant to be long-term or permanent.

While you are there, the support staff should help you prepare for living on your own and help you look at what other housing would be suitable for you long-term.