To avoid the previous long delays in processing housing application forms, all applications to join the housing register in Waltham Forest are now processed online.
Before you start the process of completing the application for housing, it is vital that you complete the online self-assessment which will give you an indication of what your preference is likely to be, and therefore how long it could take you to be housed. There is a severe shortage of all sizes of accommodation in Waltham Forest and waiting times are usually measured in years. You can find information below about each preference band.
If you do not meet the criteria for additional preference priority, we would suggest that you consider the other housing options available to you.
Housing options in Waltham Forest
If you are happy with the priority you could receive by applying for council housing, you will be able to follow the link to begin the process of completing your housing application online. You will need the following information in order to complete the form correctly, so please ensure you have this before you begin. This information is required for all applicants and household members. Please note that the priority given in the self-assessment may not be the same once we have reviewed your individual case.
- Full names and dates of birth
- National Insurance numbers
- Details of immigration status
- Full address history for the last 5 years
- Details of anyone who requires support from, or gives support to, the household
- Details of health or disability
- Details of any support worker and/or someone you wish to deal with your application on your behalf
- Details of any household member who is related to an employee or councillor of Waltham Forest Council
- Details of any household member who has had action taken against them due to anti-social behaviour, or been evicted for rent arrears.
Please note the form will take approximately one hour to complete.
Help with completing the form
If you have any difficulties completing the form, please contact Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 and they will give you guidance and advice.
If you are unable to access a computer and there is no-one who is able to help you complete the form, you can contact Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 or visit a Customer Service Centre or Leyton Library. Don't forget you will need the information above in order to complete the form successfully.
If you have a disability and are unable to access the internet, or visit the Waltham Forest Direct shops, we can arrange for the Disability Advisor to contact you to see what help we can provide. Please contact Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 to arrange this.
How do I apply?
You can complete the form online by following the link below. You must complete the self-assessment first and then it will ask if you would like to continue to complete the main housing registration form. If you need to save your form before you complete it, you can click on 'Finish Later'. You must take a note of the temporary reference number you are given in order to return to the form to complete it. If you do not complete your application within 5 days, the details will be removed and you will have to start again.
» Complete the self-assessment and online housing application form
What do I do next?
Once you have completed the form online, please wait 48 hours for your application to be processed. After this time you will be able to access your housing reference/bidding number and confirmation of the number of points you have been given using the temporary reference number you were given at the end of the form (this was shown at the bottom of the page and begins with HC).
» Update your details/view completed application
Once you have accessed your application, please make a note of your housing reference/bidding number as you will need this to access your details again. This is also the number you will need when contacting the Council about your application and to bid for properties through our Choice Based Lettings system.
Once you have your bidding number you can start using the Choice Based Lettings System. Empty properties are advertised in a weekly magazine called Choice Homes. You can express an interest by putting in a ‘bid’ for up to two properties each week. The bidding process is explained more fully in a leaflet entitled Choice Based Lettings – How to Bid and in our frequently asked questions section.
Bidding means saying you are interested in a property, and does not involve bidding with money. Sometimes the Council makes a direct offer of a property to an applicant, rather than publishing the property for bidding. For example if a property has particular features to meet specific needs such as wheelchair access.
You can place bids for two properties of the appropriate size every week by phone, text or through the East London Lettings Company website at www.ellcchoicehomes.org.uk. You can find out how to bid in the magazine.
Where can I get a copy of Choice Homes magazine?
How long do I have to wait to be rehoused?
The majority of people who apply for housing do not get rehoused. The demand far outweighs the number of properties available for letting. It is highly unlikely that you would be considered for housing if you have just applied. An example of an exception might be people with a disability or health need, affected by their housing and whose mobility is severely restricted within the home. You can provide us with this information when you complete the online form. This information will be assessed and priority awarded according to need.
You should make sure that you tell us about any other significant difficulties that need to be taken into account on the application form and we will ensure your situation is properly assessed and prioritised.
Even if you have enough priority to be considered for a Council or housing association property, we cannot tell you exactly how long you might have to wait. However, the bidding magazine tells you the length of time people have been waiting to make bids for the properties that were advertised in the previous edition. Over a period of time, this should give you a good idea of waiting times for the type and size of properties you want. Waiting times will depend on the size of property you need, which area you will consider in the borough, whether you will consider above the ground floor and the number of empty properties we get to let.
There is no separate housing association list as all the properties to which we have nomination rights are advertised in the magazine.
Frequently asked questions about housing
If you are asked to leave
If you are going to become homeless or are having problems with your landlord, we may refer you to the Housing Advice Service or Homeless Persons Unit.
More information
For more information about the Housing Allocation Scheme in Waltham Forest, please see the Council's leaflet: Housing Allocation Scheme: General Information.
For more information about Choice Based Lettings, please see the leaflet: Choice Based Lettings: How to bid
You can also view the Council's Allocations Policy.
We are based at:
Cedar Wood House
2d Fulbourne Road
Walthamstow E17 4GG (map)
Tel: 020 8496 3000
Fax: 020 8496 5431
Opening hours
9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday
10am-4.30pm Friday
