This content applies to England only.

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

If you come to the UK from the EU or EEA, you have many of the same housing options as British citizens.

However, there are restrictions on eligibility for social housing and help if you become homeless, so you will probably have to explore other options.

For more information,   download Shelter's free guide Finding a place to live. You can also download our checklist Things to consider when viewing properties you’re thinking of renting to work out whether a particular property is right for you.

In an emergency

If you need a place for tonight, there are a number of different options. However, in many areas, there is not enough emergency housing available and it can be difficult to get a place. It often helps to speak to an adviser - use our directory to find one. They may be able to help you by:

• arranging a place for you (some accommodation providers will only house people who are referred to them)
• checking whether you are entitled to any help from the council
• putting you in touch with local landlords.

Renting privately

The main advantages of renting privately are that it's often possible to move in quite quickly and there's often a lot of choice in terms of size and location. However, you'll usually need a deposit (there are now special schemes to protect tenants' deposits) and rent in advance.

Many private tenancies are arranged through letting agencies but in many areas you can also find places through local papers, shop windows or by word of mouth.

As a private tenant you would probably have limited protection from eviction, especially if you share any living space with the landlord.

Shared housing

Sharing can reduce your housing costs but it is important to choose who you live with carefully and set some ground rules.

You also need to decide whose name the agreement will be in. This has a big impact on your rights, so it's very important to understand the arrangements. You will have different rights if you are a lodger or subtenant.

Some houses or flats that are occupied by more than one household are classed as houses in multiple occupation (or HMOs). Landlords of this type of property have extra legal responsibilities. This is because statistics show that people who live in HMOs are more at risk from things like fire and overcrowding than people living in other types of housing.

Social housing

Council housing, housing associations and housing co-ops are usually considerably cheaper than renting privately. However, not all EU/EEA nationals are eligible to apply. The rules on eligibility are complicated so contact an adviser if you are not sure whether you qualify.

If you are eligible, you need to be aware that in many areas there are very long waiting lists so you will need to explore other options as well. There are separate rules on who gets priority.

Housing with support

Many people need help and support as well as housing. There are lots of different options if you have special requirements. It usually helps to talk these through with an adviser, social worker or healthcare professional before you decide, and you may need to get your needs assessed in order to access services.

Buying a place

Buying a place is only an option if you can afford it. You'll probably need a mortgage and don't forget that there are lots of other expenses involved.

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