[lwowly27]

Rental costs are still rising and it’s getting really tough. I’ve been looking to rent for a while now, but prices just keep going up. I’m thinking about renting privately, but I’m also wondering if I might qualify to rent from the council or a housing association instead. Does anyone know what the criteria are, or how I even start that process?

[christopherroche1963]

Your best bet is to look on the website for the Local Authority that manages your area. This should have pages for applying for housing. However there is no guarantee of a property as it depends on how they assess your need.
They can recommend you to local Housing Associations etc, & generally I don’t think many Social Landlords take direct applicants except possibly through sites like Moving Soon & again the process can be a long one. I’m currently in Social Housing in Wiltshire & trying to move to the Portsmouth area to support my parents & even though the council have accepted my registration I am in the lowest priority group.
Hope this helps

[lwowly27]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. That’s really helpful and gives me a clearer idea of what to expect.

It sounds like it can be a slow process, especially if you’re not classed as high priority. I hadn’t realised how much it depends on individual circumstances. Fingers crossed your move to Portsmouth works out soon. It’s great that you’re trying to be closer to your parents.

If anyone else has experience with council or housing association applications (especially from a lower priority band), I’d love to hear how it went for you too.

[biddy]

Not sure how old you are but I am over retirement age. I rent privately but I am on the ‘affordable’ rent with my council as my pension income is too much for ‘social’ housing. I am also registered on Anchor which has properties all over the UK but many of their wait lists at properties are closed for some areas. I have been on their list for 4 years and I am 10 to 15 at a property I want to move to, to be near my daughter, and it will be at least 5/6 years! I also registered with Girlings Retirement Rentals and My Future Living. The council application is long with lots of proof of everything but once done you only have to update once a year for address etc. Just register on all you can and hope for the best.

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