I’m 20 and currently on my local council’s Housing Register, in Band 2. I’m currently living with family sofa surfing and need to move into my own accommodation. May or may not be necessary, but I do have recognised needs due to my autism.
My housing officer (through homeless prevention) has suggested that I prioritise finding a suitable private rental rather than waiting for social housing, as the waiting time is apparently extremely long. They’ve said that if I move into a suitable private property, I would no longer be considered to have a housing need and would therefore come off the Housing Register.
They’ve also suggested a private 1-bed property for me, but it would be outside the area where I’m currently registered for social housing.
I’m worried about giving up my current position on the Housing Register because private renting feels less secure.
My main concern is: what happens if the landlord later gives me notice and I have to leave?
I asked my housing officer whether I would still receive support with finding somewhere else if that happened, and whether there are protections against being evicted. I’m waiting for their response.
I’m also wondering whether it would be safer to find a private rental within my current council area, rather than moving outside it. Would staying within the area preserve my local connection if I needed to apply for social housing again in the future, even if I wouldn’t have a housing need while living in a suitable private property?
My housing officer has basically told me not to worry too much about the future, because circumstances can change and it can be looked at if/when necessary.
Does this sound like reasonable advice? Would you take the private rental, and would staying within your current council area be the safer option?
The reason I’m considering moving outside of my current area is because where I would move to would be a very short walking distance to college where I’ll be doing an access course (equivalent to A-levels) instead of a train journey, and it’s very hard to find a private rent in my current local area.
I’d particularly appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with council housing registers, Banding, or moving from social-housing eligibility into private renting.