If you need to move out in a hurry, or you want to leave the family home but aren't yet ready for the responsibility of your own, there are several short term and stepping stone housing options available.

If you have problems finding the kind of accommodation you need, contact a local advice agency. They can discuss your housing options with you and offer you advice on accessing the best accommodation for you.

The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.

• Staying with friends
• Supported accommodation
• Hostels and move on accommodation
• Foyers
• Lodging
• Student accommodation
• Nurses' homes

Staying with friends

Staying with friends is only a short term option. You may think you can sleep on a friend's sofa until you secure something more permanent, but finding suitable accommodation takes longer than you think.

You're likely to be a licensee, which means your friends can evict you easily when they want.

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Supported accommodation

Supported accommodation schemes provide homes for young people who may need help to adjust to living on their own. Support workers are on hand to offer help with all aspects of independent living, such as managing money, applying for benefits or finding a job.

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Hostels and move on accommodation

Hostels can provide a stepping stone between leaving home and finding a more permanent place to live. Hostels offer temporary accommodation in single or shared rooms.

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Foyers

Foyers offer affordable accommodation for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or in housing need.

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Lodging

Lodging is when you rent a room in somebody else's house. You meet the householder before you move in, to talk about ground rules and to see whether you will get on. You have fewer rights as a lodger than you would have in your own flat or house.

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Student accommodation

Find out more about your housing options as a student.

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Nurses' homes

If you are a trainee or qualified nurse, you may be offered accommodation by the hospital where you work. This is usually a single or shared room with communal bathroom and kitchen facilities.

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