► Are you thinking about moving out?      

So you’ve decided that you want some independence or maybe your thinking about venturing out into the big wide world on your own. Leaving home and having your own space or moving in with others can be a great experience but you also need to think about things such as:

• Can I afford all the bills such as rent, council tax, electricity/gas/telephone bills?
• What type of accommodation do I want to live in? - i.e. Flatshare/House/One bed flat/Lodging
• Where do you want to live? i.e. City centre/ Countryside
• What facilities are nearby? - i.e. Shops/Places to socialise/Gyms
• Can I get to work easily/visit people easily? - i.e. Are you near to public transport links
• Do you want to live with other people or alone?

► Housekeeping

The dreaded words ‘Bills’ and ‘Cleaning the toilet’ come to mind? We’ve all got to do a bit of house work now and again and it’s important to keep on top of the bills. The need2know website gives loads of advice on housekeeping and even how to customize your home and make it your own.

More help4u:
Need 2 know website - Housekeeping
Direct Gov website - Budgeting

► Renting a house

If you decide to rent you could approach a housing association, your local council or a private landlord.

• Housing association - Housing Associations are 'Registered Social Landlords' (RSLs) not private landlords. They provide housing in a similar way to the Council. Sometimes if you apply for a housing association house you might have to meet certain criteria. Please see the Durham County Council website for more information.

• Council House - To apply for a Council house you will have to put your name on a list. You will be assessed and given a certain amount of points depending on your needs. The Council will then let you know how long you will be waiting for a house. Please see the Direct Gov website for more information.

• Private Landlords - When applying for a house through a private landlord you should make sure they are accredited, you can search for a professional agent on the ARLA (Association of Residential letting agents) website.  

When you rent a house you will usually have to fill in an application form and if you are renting through a private landlord you will have to pay a deposit and administration fees. For information on your rights as a tenant please see the Durham County Council website where you can find your local Council office and contacts.

More help4u:
Durham County Council website - For Information on Council Housing 
Housing associations in County Durham - Durham County Council website
Advice on your housing rights
Office of Fair trading website - For complaints about landlords
Direct Gov website - For Information on renting, different types of accommodation etc
Your deposit - Information on keeping your deposit safe
Rental agreements -  Guidance on unfair tenancy rental agreements.

► Buying a house

So, to buy or not to buy? There are lots of things to think about when buying a house such as organising a solicitor, arranging for a survey to be done on the house you want to buy and paying a deposit.  
You can also find out lots of information and advice on what you need to do to buy a house, making an offer on a house, choosing where to live and where to get help if you are a first time buyer on the Direct Gov website. You could also visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

More help4u:
Homebuy website - More information on the Governments first time buyers initiative
Direct Gov website - Information for first time buyers
NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) website - Professional body for Estate Agents and advice on property buying

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