I am in prison / being released from prison, what are my housing options?

Released on a licence

If you are released on licence, you should speak to your probation officer to see if you are able to be referred to a probation hostel (approved premises). However such accommodation is very limited and is usually reserved for those considered high risk or who are under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA).

If you are provided with accommodation at a probation hostel, you must ensure:

• You adhere to your licence agreement to increase your chances of finding accommodation after your licence comes to an end.
• You continue looking at your housing options whilst you remain in your hostel so you are not homeless when your licence comes to an end.
• You can contact the Council on 01737 276 790 for further advice. It is vital you contact us as early as possible so we have enough time to assess your situation. In order to receive the most effective assistance, you should provide the Council with details of your offending history, details of your probation/contact numbers for probation and a risk assessment etc.

Homeless on release

If you have nowhere to live once you are released from prison, there are many routes you can take to find yourself accommodation. It is important to start looking before you’re released with the help of your prison resettlement officer.

Finding housing upon release is very difficult, so it is important you consider all your options.

Staying with family / friends

• Returning to a family or friends home can be a suitable short-term housing solution after prison as it allows you more time to find your own accommodation.
• If you have broken ties with your family/friends, the Prison Resettlement Officer can help you rebuild these relationships. If your friends/family can see you have made progress during your time in prison and you are willing to address past issues, they may be more prepared to allow you to return to their property.

Private renting

• You can look for private rented accommodation. This route will give you the option to look for a home in an area of choice and the type of property you choose.
• You can secure a tenancy if you have savings or friends/family who can lend you money
• You can apply for Housing Benefit to help you with your rent payments.
• You can speak to the Council for further advice on 01737 276 790
• You can use the internet to search for private rented accommodation via search engines such as Google or other websites such as RightMove, Zoopla or Gumtree.

Supported Housing

Supported housing offers specialist support to address a tenant’s specific issues and individual needs and individual needs. They can help you with living independently and help you integrate back into the community. To be considered for supported housing, you generally need to be referred which can be done through your offending manager, support worker or through the Council.

Housing Register

You may be entitled to access social housing by joining a Council Housing Register. Each Council has its own eligibility criteria, which you can access through their website to see if you qualify to join. Please see the Housing Register webpage.

Council

You can contact your local Council who can offer you advice and assistance depending on your situation. If you have a local connection to this borough, we can offer you financial assistance to help you secure a private rented property through the Single Persons Rent Deposit Scheme. Call on 01737 276 790 for further details.

Hostels

Hostels can provide you with enough time to secure yourself new permanent accommodation and to apply for any support or benefits you may be entitled to. Visit our list of hostels webpage for further information.

eSOS (East Surrey Outreach Service)

eSOS offers support and access to hostels/supported housing to those who are currently rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping. The Council or other support workers can refer you or you can contact eSOS directly via the eSOS website. You must have a local connection to access their service.