Moving out: How to find a place to live

Published on
Updated on
Use a read speaker Print a document

There are many different reasons you may need to find a place to live. You might be looking for affordable housing, a shelter or other alternative housing. If you’re suddenly out of a home or have no money for housing and need to talk, you can contact Kids Help Phone.

There are many different reasons you may need to find a place to live. Sometimes it’s a choice to be more independent. Sometimes it’s to get out of an abusive or violent situation. And sometimes, it isn’t your choice at all. Finding a place to live can be tough no matter what your circumstance.

Where can I look for housing help?

Finding a place to live isn’t easy. If you’re looking for your own place you can get information from:

  • websites advertising rentals
  • community newspapers
  • rental magazines
  • housing information and referral lines
  • housing centres
  • offices in your school
  • community centres
  • friends and family

How do I rent my own place?

Here are a few things you should know about finding your own place to rent:

  1. You may have to search through a lot of rental ads and book appointments with landlords to look at the housing.
  2. Many places will ask you to pay first and last month’s rent up front. Other costs can include hiring movers or fees to set up electricity or Internet.
  3. You may have to sign a lease to outline the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. For example, you may need to give the landlord a certain amount of notice if you decide to leave.
  4. You may have to sign other documents if you’ve never lived by yourself before. You may want a friend, relative or employee at a social service agency to help you fill them out.

Where can I find temporary shelters?

Shelters can provide temporary accommodation if you don’t have a permanent place to live. If you are experiencing homelessness or are between permanent addresses, you can contact local shelters for assistance.

In a shelter, you’ll share sleeping areas, bathrooms and mealtimes with others. You may have to follow house rules and abide by a curfew. Many shelters provide other services like medical care, counselling or information on employment and financial assistance.

You can learn more about shelters and other housing alternatives from:

  • Resources Around Me
  • street youth services
  • community centres and agencies
  • housing information websites and referral phone lines
  • school counsellors
Resource Feedback
Was this page helpful to you?
Did you learn anything from this page that you can use in your life?
Did you get the support you were looking for today from Kids Help Phone?