Housing for Asylum Seekers UK - Accommodation and Support

Asylum seekers in the UK who cannot support themselves may be eligible for accommodation and financial support while their asylum claim is being considered. This guide explains how asylum accommodation works, where housing may be provided, what happens if you are homeless and who to contact for help.

How Does Housing for Asylum Seekers Work?

Asylum accommodation is different from ordinary council housing or private renting.

If you are an asylum seeker and do not have somewhere suitable to live or enough money to support yourself, you may be eligible for asylum support. This can include accommodation, financial support or both.

Accommodation can include:

• Flats

• Houses

• Hostels

• Bed and breakfast accommodation

• Other accommodation arranged through the asylum support system

You generally cannot choose the location of your asylum accommodation.

Can Asylum Seekers Choose to Live in London?

Usually, no.

Asylum accommodation is generally provided on a no-choice basis, meaning you cannot normally choose the town or city where you will be housed.

Government guidance states that asylum seekers needing accommodation are unlikely to be offered housing in London or the South East because accommodation is allocated according to availability and the needs of the asylum support system.

However, there are circumstances where particular housing needs or personal circumstances can be considered.

If you have a serious reason why you need to be accommodated in a particular area, you should explain this through the appropriate asylum support process.

What If You Are Already Homeless?

If you are an asylum seeker and have nowhere to live or cannot afford food and essential living costs, you may be able to apply for asylum support.

The application for housing and financial support is made through the asylum support system.

If you are already receiving asylum support but have an urgent accommodation problem, contact Migrant Help and explain your circumstances.

Migrant Help can assist with asylum accommodation problems and communicate relevant issues to the Home Office or accommodation provider.

Migrant Help Can Assist With Housing Problems

Migrant Help is an important contact for asylum seekers experiencing accommodation or support problems.

The current free helpline is:

0808 801 0503

The service operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, with a 24-hour service for emergencies.

Migrant Help can provide assistance with matters including:

• Asylum accommodation

• Financial support

• Housing problems

• Accommodation complaints

• Changes in circumstances

• Legal representation referrals

• Access to other support services

If you are in asylum accommodation and there is a serious problem with the property, report it rather than simply abandoning the accommodation.

Can You Stay With Friends or Family?

Yes, asylum seekers do not necessarily have to live in Home Office accommodation.

Current Home Office guidance confirms that an asylum seeker can stay with friends or family if they have suitable accommodation available.

However, if you receive asylum support, you should contact Migrant Help before moving and provide the new address. The Home Office needs to process the change, and moving without informing Migrant Help could affect your financial support.

This can be an important option for someone who has family or trusted friends already living in London.

What Happens to Asylum Accommodation?

There are different types of accommodation within the asylum support system.

Initial accommodation may be used when someone needs accommodation urgently while their support application is being assessed.

Longer-term dispersal accommodation may then be provided when appropriate. This can be located anywhere in the UK depending on availability.

The Home Office's current accommodation policy also confirms that accommodation can involve shared rooms in certain circumstances, subject to suitability considerations.

What If You Have Children?

If you have children, make sure the Home Office and Migrant Help know about your family circumstances and any specific accommodation requirements.

Particular needs can be relevant when accommodation is allocated, including health, pregnancy, disability and safeguarding considerations.

If your accommodation is unsuitable for your family because of a serious issue, report it through the appropriate support channel and provide evidence where possible.

Can Asylum Seekers Rent Privately?

Some asylum seekers may have access to private accommodation, particularly if friends or family can provide somewhere to stay.

However, asylum support and private accommodation rules can be complicated. If you are receiving Home Office support, do not assume that you can simply move into a private rental without informing the relevant authorities.

Current Home Office guidance specifically covers asylum seekers who are living in private accommodation while receiving support and explains circumstances in which they may request urgent asylum accommodation.

Before making a move, obtain advice from Migrant Help.

What Happens After Asylum Is Granted?

When an asylum claim is successful and a person receives permission to remain, their asylum accommodation and support do not continue indefinitely.

People granted status need to begin making arrangements for alternative accommodation and financial support.

This can include:

• Private rented housing

• Supported accommodation

• A house share

• Employment

• Universal Credit where eligible

• Other housing assistance

Planning early is important because finding a suitable rental property can take time.

Fraser Bond and Housing Solutions

Fraser Bond provides property consultancy, residential lettings, property management, refurbishment and wider property services across London and the UK.

For landlords and property owners, our services cover practical property management, maintenance, refurbishment and lettings.

For people moving from supported or temporary accommodation into the private rental market, understanding rental costs, property condition, tenancy requirements and available housing options can be important when planning the transition into independent accommodation.

Get Housing Advice Before Making a Move

If you are searching for housing for asylum seekers in the UK, remember that asylum accommodation is different from ordinary social housing.

If you need accommodation through the asylum support system, contact Migrant Help and explain your circumstances. If you are already receiving accommodation, report serious housing problems rather than leaving without advice.

If you have friends or family willing to accommodate you in London, discuss the move with Migrant Help before changing your address.

The right housing route depends on your immigration and support circumstances, so getting advice early can help prevent accommodation problems from becoming an emergency.