When you're moving out of home the number of things you need to think about can seem too much.

It might seem easier to take a friend up on the offer of a spare room or a sofa bed. You could move into your boyfriend's or girlfriend's place.

The trouble with these is that they are not always secure arrangements and can put real stress on your relationship.

Obviously, if you have nowhere else to go, staying at a friend's is sensible while you look for places. The fact that it's temporary might increase your chances of getting a council house.

Finding a place

Katrina, 22

• Suddenly you see your partner's true colours and you discover they are not the person you met. Remember, it's harder to leave once you live together.
  
  
• You might find yourself spending all your time talking about shopping and bills. This can put nights out and having fun together right at the bottom of the list.
  
  
• If you are living as a couple you have to claim benefits as a couple, which means that you end up with less money per person.
  
  
• Your best friend is someone you go and see when everything else is going wrong. Once you share, their house is no longer somewhere to escape to.
  
  

• If you don't get the landlord's permission when you move in, your pal could be illegally ‘sub-letting' to you. The landlord could take action against them.
  
  
• If you pay rent to the tenant you become a subtenant and have the right to notice before you can be put out.
  
  
• If your flatmate is over 18 and lives on their own they may get a 25% discount on their Council Tax. If you live there, they should be paying more Council Tax. If not, they could be accused of fraud.

Talking to someone can make things clearer, try Shelter's free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 444 or visit your local Citizens' Advice Bureau or youth information project

If your partner becomes violent towards you, contact your local Women's Aid Centre .

If you are in danger where you are, and have nowhere else to go, contact the Council Housing Department who should provide you with somewhere permanent to live.

Presenting as homeless