Finding safe, secure, quality, and affordable housing is an essential first step for non-EU citizens and beneficiaries of international protection. This critical aspect can determine a person’s overall health and well-being and provide them with a stable foundation for rebuilding their lives, feeling safer, and creating a sense of belonging.

Knowing how to find the right home and navigate the legalities in Romania can be challenging, so the animation below aims to support by shedding some light on the process.

Animations - Safe housing guidance (English dubbed with Romanian subtitles)

Animations - Safe housing guidance (Ukrainian dubbed)

Ensuring safe housing

Checks prior and post arrival are essential to ensure private housing is safe and secure. The dangers of human trafficking and (sexual or labour) exploitation are real. Offers to provide private housing need to be assessed and the hosts should be vetted to prevent risks.

Considerations and good practices:

1. You do not have to let staff members/owners in your room/accommodation.

2. No one should hold your ID documents.

3. Share your accommodation details with a trusted person.

4. Create and then stick to your check in safety plan with your trusted person.   Outline steps to ensure your safety. This might include informing at least one trusted person (other than those who you might be travelling with) about your arrival time, a secret ‘safeword’ or phrase that if you share with that person they know you’re in trouble and what that person should do if you share that ‘safeword’ or phrase with them or do not make contact at the agreed time.

5. Do an accommodation/room ‘safety check’.  Please see below our suggested check list for accommodation safety.

6. In case of abuse or security threat immediately call 112.

Check list for accommodation safety:

1. Make sure doors are secure and windows and doors lock properly.

2. Check all cupboards, behind curtains, under bed etc. to ensure the room is empty.

3. Wherever possible seek to have a peephole and a security chain.

4. Locate emergency exits and important safety equipment like fire extinguishers and first aid kits.

5. Make an emergency escape plan.

6. Don’t share your accommodation details with people you have just met.

7. If you return to find the door open/windows broken, you should contact reception/police.

For more information on housing and life in Romania, see the Orientation Guide to Romania: https://t.ly/-WBQ7