Guidance for new refugees

View how to find somewhere to live, help paying rent, and how to get furniture.

When you are looking for a home to rent, you need to confirm your interest quickly. The rental market is competitive, so you need to submit your offer as soon as possible when you find a suitable home.

View how to rent a home and other basic information in our renting a home section.

View a beginners guide for renting at Rightmove.

When you start renting, you will be given a tenancy agreement.

It is important to check the agreement carefully before you sign it because it is a legally binding contract.

You must:

• maintain the home to a good standard, so that you receive your deposit back
• pay your bills, for example Council Tax, water, gas, electricity and contents insurance
• report gas leaks to National Gas Emergencies on 0800 111 999
• ventilate and heat your home to prevent damp
• keep the home tidy
• put food and waste in the bins outside to be collected

You may be able to get help to pay your rent.

If you rent your home from a private landlord, you can apply for Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to cover some of the rent.

Check how much you may be able to receive.

View how to apply for housing benefits.

You may be eligible to apply for Social Housing.

The rent can be lower than renting privately, however:

• there aren't many homes available
• there could be a long wait

View more about Social Housing and register for a home.

When you move into a new home, contact important service providers including:

• utilities (gas, electricity, and water)
• phone, broadband and TV

You may be able to get help setting up utilities. View our help with the cost of living pages.

You don’t have to stay with the same companies as the old owners, and you can apply to switch energy suppliers. This can save you money.

You cannot currently change water supplier or sewerage service provider. The water or sewerage company that supplies your property will depend on where you live.

You may be able to get help furnishing or carpeting your home from a charity:

• Glasspool Charity Trust
• St Mungo's
• Turn2us

These other charities may be able to help with other needs too:

• Family Fund (for children with disabilities and special needs)
• Freecycle (for receiving unwanted items)
• Reuse Network (for furniture, carpet, rugs, beds and sofas)

You can find furniture and carpets at charity shops.

Alternatively, if you have items in good condition that you don't need any more, you can consider donating them to a charity shop.

On the Facebook Marketplace, you can find cheap or free items (including furniture and washing machines).

If you are at risk of becoming homeless, contact our homelessness prevention team as soon as possible.

Contact our homelessness prevention team.

When you move into a new home, contact all your important service providers including:

• utilities (gas, electricity, and water)
• phone, broadband and TV
• bank or building society
• employer
• insurance providers
• pension providers
• HMRC
• DVLA
• Department for Work and Pensions
• TV licensing

You should also inform your GP and children's schools.

For help or advice, contact your local citizens advice bureau.