Youth

Where would you live?

Council Houses

Council houses are not usually available right away. You will have to add your name to the waiting list and you may have to wait some time before the Council makes you an offer.

You will have to make some choices about size, type and location of the housing you want.

Your Local Housing Office can provide application forms and advice and information to help you make your choices.

Anyone over 16 can apply for a council house. You can apply to be on the council's housing list while you are still living at home with parents.

Other Registered Social Landlords

There are several Registered Social Landlords providing a range of rented accommodation in South Ayrshire. They each have their own allocation policy and their own waiting lists, some have an agreement with the Council whereby the Council can nominate people from the Council's waiting lists.

You can get further information from your Local Housing Office.

Private Rented Accommodation

This gives you less security than a Council tenancy but can be the most accessible and flexible type of accommodation. It can be more expensive than Council or other Registered Social Landlords.

You will usually need to have enough money to cover a deposit or rent in advance. You may also need to provide references for the landlord.

Make sure that you contact the Housing Aid Centre or Throughcare Support Team to find out about your rights before you agree to move in.

Some Landlords may not rent properties to young people who are on Income Support.

How to find a Private Let

Check with local Estate Agents. Most of them deal with renting Property. Look in the local paper. Try to get a copy as soon as it comes out. Check in Newsagent's windows or on Supermarket noticeboards. Ask around, some of your friends may know of local people who rent property.

If you are leaving home to study

The Accommodation Officer at university or college can give you a list of different types of accommodation. Do this in plenty of time as accommodation can be hard to come by.

If you are Homeless or at risk

If you do not have anywhere to stay, are in danger of losing your accommodation within two months, or are at risk in your present accommodation you should contact your nearest Area Housing Office and ask for a Homelessness interview.

If you become homeless outside normal office hours, telephone:
The South Ayrshire Council out of Hours Homeless Service Tel (01292) 611600 or contact the Social Work Standby number FREE on 0808 100 3151.

You can also obtain advice and support from:

Ayr Housing Aid Centre
Tel: 01292 288111

Throughcare Support Team
Tel: 01292 612092

The START Project
Tel: 01292 270366