The first month in a new place often costs more than you expect. A simple plan helps you avoid falling behind with rent.
The costs to plan for
- Rent or service charge, and any top-up if your rent is above your housing allowance.
- Bills if they aren't included: gas, electricity, water, internet. In most shared houses the landlord pays council tax, but check.
- Setting up: bedding, towels, kitchen basics, cleaning products.
- Everyday costs: food, travel, phone credit, toiletries.
Getting through the first payment
- A new Universal Credit claim usually takes about five weeks to pay. If you can't manage, ask for an advance payment.
- Tell your landlord when your first payment is due and agree a date. Most landlords on SocialRooms are used to this.
- Check whether you can get help from your council's crisis support or a charity grant. See help with deposits and moving costs.
Simple budgeting tips
- Pay your rent first on the day your money arrives. Set up a standing order if you can.
- Split your money into weeks: work out what's left after rent and bills, and divide it by four or five.
- Keep receipts for the first month so you can see where your money goes.
- Use free tools like the MoneyHelper budget planner.
- If you have debts, get free advice early from StepChange or Citizens Advice.
If you fall behind
Talk to your landlord straight away: most would rather agree a plan than lose a tenant. Ask your work coach about a managed payment so the rent goes straight to your landlord, and ask the council about a Discretionary Housing Payment.