A room in a shared house offers a cheaper alternative to renting a complete self-contained unit and may give you a chance to save some money towards a deposit for your own place. It also gives you an opportunity meet new people and to get support from others going through a similar experience.

If you’re under 35, with no children, and will be relying on Housing Benefit to cover your rent payments, you may need to consider renting a room in a shared house rather than renting self-contained accommodation. This is because the Housing Benefit you’re entitled to is limited to the shared room rate.

Find out more about private rented accommodation.