Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing may suit you if you’re looking for housing with some support. If so, you can visit the directory of sheltered and retirement schemes in the UK. 

If you want to rent sheltered housing in Waltham Forest, there are a number of schemes you can get from the council or providers, such as housing associations. 

As a sheltered housing tenant you can expect to live independently with access to support services, including a 24 hour Careline service.

This type of housing is intended for people aged 50 or over who need some support to live independently.

We give priority to people:

• who are disabled or living with long-term health problems
• living in unsuitable homes
• who are socially isolated
• wishing to downsize from a council or registered provider (housing association) property

A sheltered housing scheme allows you to live in a secured setting and take part in social activities with other residents.

Sheltered housing includes:

• self-contained flats
• studio flats with shared bathrooms
• studio flats with one main room and a separate kitchen and toilet

We have an independent living officer who visits and provides housing management services. The officer will:

• assess repairs
• help you in emergencies
• arrange visits from health professionals
• help you to access alternative support services

Any Waltham Forest resident 50 years old or more can apply for sheltered housing in the borough. If you own a home there may be other options for you, depending on the value of your home.

You can make an online application to join our housing register. You’ll also need to complete a sheltered housing application form as part of your online application.

If you're having any difficulty in making an online application, please contact us on 020 8496 3130 for help and advice.

If you are unable to complete the online form then please download a copy of the Sheltered Housing Application Form (PDF) which you can print out and send to us by post.

After we receive your application, we’ll contact you once we assess your priority.

If we give you priority for sheltered housing, you’ll receive advice about how to bid for properties.

If we don't give you priority, you’ll receive advice about what to do if you want us to review your application again.