Housing
Elmbridge CAN can't provide housing but we can advise you on your options and we can sometimes help you look for accommodation in the private rent sector. For Ukrainians, we can try to 'rematch' you with a new host. Read on for more information.
Please note that most of the information below is relevant only if you have permission to remain in the UK. For information about the asylum system in the UK including financial support see Right to Remain.
Can I get my own accommodation from the council?
Social housing in the UK is in very short supply, especially for larger households, and particularly in Elmbridge as it is an expensive area and there is a shortage of housing. There are very long waiting lists for social housing.
If you are in danger of homelessness and are in a priority group where the council has a duty to help you, then they may be able to support you with emergency accommodation. This may be in a bed and breakfast and it may be outside of Elmbridge. You can find out more information including how to apply for social housing on the council’s website here Elmbridge Borough Council - Housing.
How can I get my own accommodation?
Whether you have children or not, your Universal Credit benefit can include help with rental costs, also known as Housing Benefit. The Housing Benefit allowance was increased in Elmbridge in April 2024. You can check out the local Housing Benefit allowance here.
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Depending on your circumstances, Elmbridge Borough Council may also be able to help you with finding rental accommodation. See Find a place to live.
You can also look at websites like ​Rightmove for a property to rent. Being in employment can sometimes help with securing accommodation. Finding housing can be hard. It is important to be persistent and not lose hope.
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Our charity doesn't offer a property search service but if you are homeless or vulnerably housed, Rentstart is a local charity which has a very useful guide to renting privately on low incomes. Rentstart primarily helps people who are not on the council’s priority list, such as single adults without children. In the UK, many younger single people, or couples, form a group with friends to rent accommodation together.
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See also these useful guides for Ukrainians on how to rent property in the UK in Ukrainian and Russian.
Discretionary housing payments available for housing are occasionally available from Elmbridge Council: Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
For Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme: how can I change my host?
We are working closely with Elmbridge Council to help ensure that re-matches can be arranged where there is a priority need for this, for example if there is a medical need or if there is an irreversible breakdown in relationships. Please get in touch with us if you think this might apply to you, by emailing contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk or coming to one of our hubs (see our What’s on page). There may also be ways that we can help you resolve differences with your original host family.