Applying for social housing
We aim to:
- Provide you with advice about whether you are eligible before you apply.
- Process your application within 15 working days.
In Southend, we have far more households applying for council housing than we have houses available. Therefore, we must have strict criteria around who qualifies for inclusion on our housing register.
Many of those who qualify for inclusion on the housing register are not offered social housing, due to the lack of supply.
To be considered for inclusion on the housing register, you must:
- Be over 16.
- Have an immigration status that makes you eligible to be considered for social housing.
- Have a housing need, as determined by our allocations policy.
- Not have excessive rent arrears, property related debt, or persistent anti-social behaviour.
- Not have income, savings or assets that would enable you to resolve your own needs.
The housing register application process takes around 20 mins and requires you to provide multiple documents to us. Please complete this short (30 second) form to help you decide if you want to apply.
If you do want to apply to join our housing register, you can make an application by selecting the 'Register' tab on our Southend On the Move website. After registering, you will then be asked to complete an application form for social housing.
In almost all cases you will find alternative accommodation much quicker by renting from a private landlord. If you are on a low income you may be able to get help with rent payments by claiming Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
We know people are worried about the cost of living crisis and may be struggling. See our cost of living page for support you could be eligible for.
If you are a council tenant you can also look at mutual exchange.