Jargon Buster!

Housing, homelessness and independent living are complicated - use these definitions to make sure you understand the information you've been given ...

Benefits

Money fom the Government to help with living costs for people who are unable to work, or who are looking for work, on a low income or in education. Includes Jobseekers' Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, etc. Click here for more information on benefits

Domestic Violence/Abuse

Abuse, or threats of abuse, that can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial or emotional. Click here for more detailed information

Estranged

You are estranged from your parents if you are not able to live with them and they no longer wish to support you

Homelessness

You might be considered homeless if:

• You are sleeping on the streets as you have no other place to live
• You are temporarily staying with friends or familly
• You are living in a hostel or B&B
• You are at risk of violence or abuse in your home
• Poor living conditions are affecting your health
• You are living somewhere you don't have a legal right to stay (like a squat)
• You are forced to live apart form your partner or family because you have no suitable accommodation

Housing

When you first leave home, you might not move into a flat by yourself - there are lots of different sorts of accommodation. Click here to read more about the options available

Intentionally Homeless

You are considered intentionally homeless if the Council feel you have nowhere to live as a result of your own unreasonable actions - click here for more detailed information

NFA

Means No Fixed Address - no permanent place to live

Priority

The Council has a duty to house someone who is homeless and in priority need - click here for information on who takes priority

Rent Deposit/Bond

Money you pay to a landlord as security before you move in - it means the landlord is protected if you don't pay the rent or if you damage the property. Click here for more information

Sleeping Rough

Spending the night sleeping outside on the street. Click here for more information

Sofa Surfing

Moving around between temporary places to stay - often friends and relatives houses, usually sleeping on the sofa. Click here for more detailed information

Supported Housing

Another term for a hostel - accommodation where young people are helped to learn to live independently. Click here to find out more about supported housing.

Tenancy agreement

A document that is signed between you and your landlord that gives you the right to live in a house/flat. Click here for more information.