Introduction
You can rent your own home from:
- A council or housing association
- A charity or voluntary organisation
- A private landlord
- Someone you know, like a family member or friend
Renting from a council or housing association
These are also called social landlords. You normally get this type of housing by going on the council housing register, and using a choice-based lettings scheme. If you want to live with a friend, family member or partner long-term, you can apply for this type of home together.
This can be a secure way of renting your own home and the rent is more affordable if you are working, but you may have to wait a long time before you are housed and you may not have much choice.
Rupert gives an overview of what Homefinder Somerset is and how it works, during October 2022 Local Offer Live sessions.
Supported housing
Shared supported housing is tenancy-based and usually attached to support. You receive full benefits and your rent and care is paid separately. If you receive personal care in supported housing, the care provider must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
You will always have other people around and you can share responsibilities like cooking, cleaning and paying the bills, though you may not have full control over who you live with and who supports you.
Find out more about the Supported Housing Teams in Somerset.
Renting from a private landlord
You can do this in several different ways, some people rent by going to an estate agent and choosing a home.
You will have a wide choice and get housing quickly and it can be good if you want to try out independent living, but you may not have long-term security and you may have to pay a deposit cost.
Other things to consider
Disabled Facilities Grants
If you are disabled, you may be able to get help with the cost of adapting your home.
A Disabled Facilities Grant can help pay for changes such as:
- installing ramps
- widening doorways
- adapting bathrooms
- improving access around the home
The grant is available whether you own your home or rent it, although different conditions may apply. Find out more on help to adapt your home.
Priority services register
Whatever housing option you choose, it is important to think about what would happen if you lost electricity or water.
If you rely on electricity or water because of a disability, health condition or medical equipment, you should join your utility provider’s Priority Services Register. The register is free and helps utility companies identify customers who may need extra support. This includes people who use medical equipment that needs electricity or water, have a long-term health condition, need information in an accessible format or would find it difficult to cope with a loss of supply.
Being on the register can help you get:
- advance notice of planned power cuts
- extra support during unplanned interruptions to your electricity or water supply
- information in accessible formats such as large print or Braille
- help if you have communication or accessibility needs.
You should contact your electricity supplier, water company, and phone or internet provider to ask about joining their Priority Services Register.
Housing support or advice
You can get information on housing from Somerset Council.
You can also get advice and information from charities such as Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Mencap explain in easy read
- What is rent?
- What is a tenancy agreement?
- What are the rules in my tenancy agreement?
- If you pay rent and big problems in your home need fixing
- What to do if you have a problem or argument with your housemate in supported housing
- What to do if you have problems with your neighbours
- What to do if you want to live nearer your family and friends