Understanding Accommodation Options for Young People in Coventry: A Guide to TA, Social Housing, Supported and Shared Living
- bardsleyyouth
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
Finding suitable accommodation can be overwhelming for young people. With various living options available, it's essential to know what each type entails. This guide explores the four primary accommodation types for young individuals living independently in Coventry: Temporary Accommodation (TA), Social Housing, Supported Accommodation (such as hostels), and Shared Accommodation. We will also discuss how we at the Bardsley Youth Project can support local young people in navigating these housing options.
What Are The Accommodation Options for Young People in Coventry?
Temporary Accommodation (TA)
Temporary Accommodation (TA) is a short-term housing option for individuals who urgently need a place to stay. This service is typically provided by local authorities.
Pros
Crisis Support: TA is often crucial in housing emergencies. If a young person does not have somewhere to stay that night, TA may provide them with somewhere safe and warm to stay for a night, perhaps longer depending on how soon they or the local authorities can find them a more permeant place to live.
Basic Amenities: Most TA options include essential amenities like furniture, heating, and utilities. For instance, many accommodations provide everything from kitchen utensils to bedding.
Cons
Short-Term Solution: Residents frequently face pressure to find permanent housing. These are short term crisis accommodation not long term dwellings.
Less Stability: The temporary nature of this accommodation type can lead to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, as young people may struggle to plan their future. Sometimes it is not clear when you will obtain more long-term housing, which can put people's lives on hold as they wait. For instance , a young person could get a job on one side of the city near their TA, but be told at short notice they have obtained accommodation the other side of the city. They may no longer be able to get to their job from their new accommodation, and may not be able to work the notice period. Forcing them to start all over again.
Social Housing
Social housing is designed for those who cannot afford private rental costs and is usually provided by local authorities or housing associations. In Coventry, individuals, partners, or family groups usually bid for properties on a site called Home Finder. Each bidder is assigned a band according to their housing priority.
Pros
Affordability: Social housing is often priced lower than market rates. For example, rents in social housing might be 30-50% cheaper than comparable market options, making it accessible for low-income individuals.
Choice: You can choose which properties you bid on. For example, if you would like to avoid living in a certain area, this is possible. You can also usually view a property before accepting it.
Stability: With long-term leases, social housing offers residents stability, allowing them to settle down and establish roots.
Security: Large social housing , providers are usually bound by their own policy or local policy, which stipulates that they are responsible for certain maintenance tasks, as well as updating the accommodation over time.
Community Support: If you move into an area where there is a lot of social housing, there is more likely to be local support services for those on low incomes, e.g. Family hub groups with free or pay how you feel lunch offerings.
Cons
Long Waiting Lists: Due to high demand, waiting for social housing can be anywhere upwards of 6 months in most cases. This means that out of those bidding on a property, only the top 1-3 bidders in the priority list are invited to view the property. With the property being assigned to the highest priority bidder who accepts the accommodation.
Limited Choice: Applicants may have restricted options regarding location and type of accommodation, as availability can vary.
Supported Accommodation (Hostels)
Supported accommodation, such as hostels, provides housing and support to young people.
Pros
Supportive Environment: Supported accommodation should offer tailored support services, including life skills mentoring. However, not all supported accommodations are equal. There is also usually a member of staff on site who can help if you need it.
Service Charges: If you are claiming the enhanced housing element of Universal Credit, and the money goes directly to the housing provider, you may only be required to pay a small service charge that goes towards utility bills. However...see cons list
Community: Residents often build a sense of community and form friendships with others facing similar life challenges.
Private Space: Some supported accommodation providers offer small self-contained flats, meaning that you don't have to share facilities like bathrooms and kitchens with others.
Cons
Limitations around work: Hostels charge higher rents due to the additional services provided on top of accommodation. These rents are generally paid directly to them by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). However, if you start working whilst living in supported accommodation, you lose benefit money accordingly. However, this may mean you end up in debt, as rents at hostels are much higher than other accommodations.
Rules and Regulations: Hostels tend to have strict guidelines that residents must follow, which can feel limiting for some individuals. e.g. rules about overnight guests.
Risk: Those staying in hostels are usually struggling with more issues than just housing. Whilst hostels can be a great place for developing a sense of community, things do go wrong between residents, people can get into certain habits because those around them are doing it.
Shared Accommodation
Shared accommodation involves renting a property with others, including friends or housemates, and sharing common areas.
Pros
Cost-Effective: Renting a room rather than a whole flat or house can be much cheaper. Sharing a living space with other you know may also significantly lowers living costs. For example, friends could chip in to buy groceries to feed several people rather than just meals for one, which can sometimes be more cost effective overall. However, if you don't know the other people very well, this may not be an option. Cost effectiveness also assumes every takes equal responsibility for splitting living costs, and that one or two people aren't supporting those not keeping up with financial agreement.
Social Interaction: Living with others can provide companionship, and foster community, reducing the feelings of loneliness that many people experience when living independently.
Cons
Potential for Conflict: Living with others in close proximity, who may lead different lifestyles, have different values or may not 'pull their weight' may lead to disagreements about everyday issues like household chores or noise levels.
Varied Standards: Differences in cleanliness and lifestyle habits among housemates can impact the shared environment.
Bardsley Youth Project: Support for Young People
The Bardsley Youth Project is vital in helping young people navigate the housing landscape in Coventry. They offer both emotional and practical support, such as:
Housing Advice: Tailored guidance on various housing options based on individual needs. Supporting you to move in a planned way as opposed to facing housing crisis.
Housing Application Assistance: Support completing applications for housing providers, making these processes easier and more accessible.
Benefit & Grant Application Assistance: Once you have secured accommodation you will need a way to pay for it. If you are not working or are on a low income, staff can support you to work out what support you may be eligible for and help you fill out those applications.
Crisis Essential Items Provision: Often when you move in you must wait for your benefits or grants to be approved. During this time, you may have little or no financial resources. We offer practical support to bridge this period for young people. Head to our young person's digital information hub to find out more about our emergency food, clothing, hygiene offerings. You can also find out more about our loaner goods and furniture programs in the young persons digital information hub, or by speaking to one of our workers.
Skill Development & Tenancy Sustainment Support : Staff can support you in developing skills like budgeting which are important for maintaining independent living. Staff can also support you in navigating issues like debt and setting up repayment plans. Our staff often accompany young people to appointments at DWP, sometimes GP's and appointments to link you up with other important services as we know how daunting this can be.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the types of accommodation available in Coventry is essential for young people's housing journeys. Each option—Temporary Accommodation, Social Housing, Supported Accommodation, and Shared Accommodation—has its own advantages and challenges.
Please note that this post is aimed at those looking at accommodation options in Coventry. Available options may vary depending on your locality- so speak to your local youth homelessness charity.
For young people in need of assistance, the Bardsley Youth Project is here to provide guidance, practical and emotional support. If you have questions or need help with housing applications, don't hesitate to reach out to their team.
If you need support, please contact us or come to see us before 3 pm if possible. This increases the chance that we will have the time to help you that day. After 3 pm is unlikely that we will be able to offer same-day assistance.
