20M Sofa Surfing in Rugby How do I go on moving from informal lodging to a legal tenancy? with no money saved.
I’m a 20-year-old male currently sofa surfing at a friend’s family home in Rugby, Warwickshire, and I’m looking for some advice on my next steps. I was forced to leave my mum’s house following a family breakdown that peaked in December 2025.
I am currently in an informal lodging arrangement paying £200 a month, but I’ve just lost my job and I’m terrified I won't be able to keep up payments or maintain this hidden status much longer. My friend’s family are supportive for now, but I desperately need to find a stable, legal tenancy where I can feel secure and focus on finding a new PAYE job. I have essential furniture and tech for job searching that I need to move, but I have no savings for a deposit or transport.
I’ve previously reached out to Cambridge Council, but I’m now trying to navigate Rugby Borough Council and I’m worried they will try to push for family mediation or tell me it’s "reasonable" to go back, which I don't believe is true given the history of threats. Does anyone have experience with the Crisis and Resilience Fund for moving costs or know how St Basils or Doorway assist with the actual physical move for someone in my age group? I just want a stable front door of my own and to know my belongings are safe.
(The biggest issue is that I have already used my Universal Credit New Claim Advance, a Budgeting Advance, and the Flexible Support Fund (FSF) for previous emergencies.)