Housing

There are many types of housing in the UK. People can purchase a house, usually with a mortgage, or they can rent a house through the private rental market. Some people under certain circumstances may receive support from their council to find and pay for housing. This is usually done by the Housing Element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. For more information on housing in the UK please visit our Housing and Homelessness page.

Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) on their visa are not able to access support for housing through their council. You are expected to find your own housing, either to purchase or to rent in the private rental market. However, if you have successfully applied to have your NRPF condition lifted on your visa, you will be able to access housing support. More information on lifting your NRPF conditions can be found on our BN(O) visa information page.

There is advice and support available for people renting in the UK who may have problems, such as a faulty property or concerns about your landlord. Shelter are a national housing charity that offer advice to renters in the UK. There is more Housing advice from Shelter on the Shelter England website (England.shelter.org.uk). Citizens Advice also provide advice, which can be found on the Housing – Citizens Advice website (citizensadvice.org.uk).