It is possible to challenge a council’s decision to decline your application, but you may need to find a housing advisor to assist you. If you are not certain what status you have as an immigrant, contact an immigration adviser.
If you’re not sure how to contact your local council, enter a postcode at this website to locate the council housing authority for that area. For information on other benefits, or to make a complaint, find the general purpose council website through direct. gov.
These organizations are also referred to as “Registered Social Landlords” or “Private Registered Providers of Social Housing”. [6] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
You are living in an unsanitary or overcrowded home, a home in severe disrepair, or one without washing or cooking facilities. (If these apply to you, see the section on homelessness to find out whether you meet the government definition. ) You need to move out of your current home for medical, welfare, or safety reasons. This may include mobility issues, mental health issues, or threats of domestic violence or hate crimes in your area. You need to move to a specific area within the council’s authority, or you would suffer hardship. For example, you need to move to take care of a relative nearby, or you need access to a specialized school for your child.
In certain circumstances, you may ask for a second review of your application, or challenge the council’s decision. Contact a housing adviser or the local ombudsman if you are given very low priority, denied a spot on the list, feel you were discriminated against, or the council took a long time to process your application.
Typically, if the council allows it, you may find council housing properties advertised in newspapers, online, in council houses, and in libraries. You may “bid” for your desired housing by contacting the council, or as directed in the advertisement. Note that the bidding does not involve money, despite the name. [10] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
Once you are in a council house, see the section on living in one for information on your rights and responsibilities.
If you are pregnant, bring supporting evidence and details of your child benefits. You may be eligible for additional assistance as a homeless pregnant woman.
“Priority need” can be determined by many things, including children living with you, pregnancy, homelessness due to disaster, or “vulnerability” due to age, illness, or past history. The council may store possessions such as furniture for you to keep them safe, until you have the space to keep them again. Councils are often reluctant to make special arrangements for pet animals, so try to make arrangements with your friends and family in advance.
“Priority need” can be determined by many things, including children living with you, pregnancy, homelessness due to disaster, or “vulnerability” due to age, illness, or past history. The council may store possessions such as furniture for you to keep them safe, until you have the space to keep them again. Councils are often reluctant to make special arrangements for pet animals, so try to make arrangements with your friends and family in advance.
Note that you are unlikely to be offered council housing or housing association housing if you show “anti-social behavior” or are in serious rent arrears (having failed to pay a large amount of rent). The council will still attempt to find you private housing to rent.
Contact the council to find out whether you are allowed to rent out part of the property.
You may rent out part of your house, but you may not move to a different property and rent out the council house. You may apply to buy the property you are living in, if it is eligible. If you are a secure tenant, you may be allowed to pass on the tenancy to a family member living with you. [14] X Research source
