Routes into council or HA housing

Most councils provide housing themselves and can also refer people for housing by non-profit making bodies called housing associations (HAs). In London most HA's don't keep their own list of people wanting housing, and instead take all their new tenants from the local council.

If you want to get a council or HA flat then the first step is to apply to be on the housing register (sometimes called the 'waiting list'). Every council has to have one, along with published details of how they will decide who will have most priority for housing. For more information about whether you're likely to get priority and how to apply click on Housing register.

Many London councils don't house people off their register unless they are also homeless and have priority needs. Single people aren't normally considered to be in priority need unless they are vulnerable (largely due to their age, mental or physical ill health, having left an 'institution', or because they are escaping violence or harassment). For more information on whether you might be considered to be vulnerable and how to apply as homeless click on Homeless.

Young people under 21 may also qualify for help with their housing even if they don't meet the homelessness criteria. For more information click on Homeless.

Although it is very difficult to get housed in London unless you are homeless, it can sometimes be easier if you are over 55 or disabled and willing to live in sheltered housing. For more information click on Sheltered housing.

Some hostels and supported housing providers have special arrangements that give some of their residents the possibility of getting a council or HA flat. If you live in that type of accommodation, ask your support worker or resettlement worker if they have such an arrangement and if you will qualify for help under it.

If you live in one London borough but have very good reasons why you need to move to another then you could ask your council to nominate you to another council under the HOMES mobility scheme. Click on Housing register for more information.

It can be much easier to get a council or HA flat outside of London. Click on Moving out of London to find out more.

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Click on these links to reach different parts of the website:
Private renting - Council or housing association - Buying your own home
Hostels - Jobs with accommodation - Moving out of London
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