A place to live, practical next steps

Housing & living

Explore starting points for renting, housing problems, local authority support, council tax and household bills.

Before you act

Housing law differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This guide is general information and is not a substitute for tailored housing or legal advice.

If you rent your home

Your rights and responsibilities may depend on the nation of the UK you live in, your tenancy type and the date your agreement began. Read the relevant official guidance before taking action.

Read the official guidance ↗

If you need housing help

If you are homeless or at risk of losing your home, contact your local council as soon as possible to ask about housing support. In an emergency, explain the urgency clearly.

Read the official guidance ↗

Council tax

Council tax rules, discounts and exemptions depend on your property and circumstances. Your local council is usually the place to check your bill and ask about reductions.

Read the official guidance ↗

Energy and household bills

Check your supplier's current tariff and support options, and use trusted advice services if bills are becoming difficult to manage. Do not share account details with unsolicited callers.

Read the official guidance ↗

Starter guide · Last reviewed: 25 October 2026. This is an initial prototype; please verify all links, facts and review dates before publishing for public use.