What housing options are available?
Birmingham offers a few main housing options, depending on your situation. The council’s housing advice covers everything from private renting and shared accommodation to supported housing, sheltered housing, and help if you have nowhere to stay.
| Housing option | What Birmingham says |
|---|---|
| Lodging | If you’re staying with friends or more distant relatives, you may be able to claim help with accommodation costs. Birmingham’s Housing Options service can explain boarding or lodging and any costs you may be able to claim. |
| Room renting / shared housing | Many young people share accommodation to split costs, and you can search online for rooms to rent or shared houses. |
| Youth Hub referral | If you’re 16 to 25 and not pregnant or with children, you’ll likely be referred to the Youth Hub. |
| Supported accommodation | Birmingham works with providers that deliver supported accommodation for people with mental illness or impairment, and may refer you there with your permission. |
| Hospital discharge help | Hospital staff and discharge officers work together to help find suitable accommodation if you’re leaving hospital. |
| Home adaptations / occupational therapy assessment | If you know your home won’t be suitable after a planned hospital stay, you can apply for an occupational therapy assessment before you go into hospital. |
| Sheltered housing | Sheltered housing schemes support residents to help them live independently for longer. |
| Extra Care housing | Extra Care housing schemes offer support to help residents live independently for longer. |
| Already adapted properties | These can be accessed through the social housing register. |
| Social housing register / Birmingham Choice | Sheltered housing, Extra Care schemes and already adapted properties can be accessed through the social housing register, and you need to register on the Birmingham Choice website to apply. |
| Help if you have nowhere to stay | Birmingham says to read more about the full range of housing options available, including advice if you have nowhere to stay. |
If you can’t get online, Birmingham says you can phone 0121 303 7410 for housing advice. For social housing and related options, the key online route mentioned is to register on the Birmingham Choice website.
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