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Renting and Letting

.: Housing.

People with refugee status have the same right to housing or accommodation as the UK citizens, there is no legal restrictions on where you can live.

.: Moving from NASS accommodation.

Under the asylum legislation introduce in April 2000, asylum seekers may be placed in NASS (National Asylum Support Service) accommodation until they receive a decision. Once you received refugee status or ELR (Exceptional Leave to Remain), you will then be given notice to vacate the accommodation and look for another accommodation since you are no longer on their scheme. That means you have to register homeless with council and do application with the housing association for accommodation. Under the immigration and asylum Act 1999, asylum seekers are dispersed to live in towns across Britain. When you are given refugee status, you might want to move to other part of the country. You might need advice if you want to move to another part of the country or it will affect your future choices. If you want to move to join a family member, you need to know how it will affect your benefit rights.

.: Public Housing.

You can approach your local authority to be considered for public housing under housing law. This law states that homeless persons can be placed in temporary accommodation by the local authorities for up to two years if they are `in prior need`. This means people who have children or who are vulnerable. If you want to be permanently housed by the local authority, you have to register and be on the waiting list. If you are not been accepted as in prior need by the local authority, they should offer you advice and assistance with housing options, which may include hostels, private accommodation or housing association. For more information on public housing, you can contact you local authority or CAB.

.: Homelessness.

If you are in urgent need of help with accommodation and the risk been homeless, contact the local authority housing department or voluntary housing agency or the housing help centre. Shelter is a voluntary agency, which runs a national help-line for homeless people. Shelter national help-line:- Tel. 0800 800 4444. Opens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.