This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

Been kicked out?

If you're over the age of 16 and your parents or carers want you out of the house, you'll probably have to go. If you're in this situation:

• download our leaving home in a hurry checklist for good suggestions of things to take with you
• check whether the council's housing department or social services can help you. See below and use our emergency housing rights checker to find out about your rights.

Scared to go home?

If you feel unsafe or in danger at home, it may be best to leave straightaway. But try to contact an adviser before you go and arrange some emergency housing in advance.

Can you get help from the council or social services?

If you have nowhere to stay, the council may have a duty to house you. You don't have to be sleeping on the street, to get help, and applying as homeless isn't the same thing as going on the waiting list.

However, certain groups of young people, are entitled to help from social services rather than the council's housing department. This may be the case if you:

• are under the age of 18, or
  
• have a disability, or
  
• have been in care in the past, or
  
• have applied as homeless but the housing department believes that you are intentionally homeless (for example because you left accommodation that you could have stayed in). 

If you are in one of these groups and you ask the housing department for help they will normally ask social services to help you.

Use our emergency housing rights checker to work out what you're entitled to.

If you have problems getting them to help you or are not happy with any decisions they have made, use our directory to find details of your local advice centre.

Need somewhere to stay tonight?

First stop should be the council's housing department or social services - see above for more information.

Alternatively, read our pages on emergency housing. If you find yourself sleeping on the streets, make sure you stay safe and get help and advice immediately.

Need help with housing costs?

If you've had to move in an emergency and you've no money you could apply for a crisis loan. Otherwise, a budgeting loan may help you manage your housing costs.

Some young people are entitled to financial assistance from social services, as well as housing.