Domestic abuse: help with housing

People can leave their home if fleeing domestic violence.

Free 24/7 domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247

COVID-19 update

Waltham Forest Housing has closed the reception area at Cedar Wood House.

During this period of closure all our services will be conducted via email and telephone. In order to safeguard our residents we are asking only those that require immediate assistance to contact us.

• For homelessness issues please contact 020 8496 3000 or Housing.advice@walthamforest.gov.uk. Do not try and visit with documents.
• For temporary accommodation queries email temporaryaccommodation@walthamforest.gov.uk
• For Emergency Repairs (Council Tenants) please continue to contact us as normal on 020 8496 3000
• For Urgent Housing Management Issues contact wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk or 020 4896 3000
• If you come across someone sleeping rough- please contact Streetlink
• If you need to communicate with one of our Rent Team rents@walthamforest.gov.uk or call 020 8496 3000
• If you need to communicate with one of our Home Ownership Team rtb.lease@walthamforest.gov.uk or call 020 8496 3000

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If you're worried that you can’t leave a violent situation at home because you’d be homeless, we can help.

We can help you even if you haven’t decided for definite that you want to leave home. We can talk through your housing options with you, before you make a decision.

How can I get housing help?

It’s important that you contact us immediately. We’ll ask you to come in to see us as soon as possible.

Please bring proof of identity, such as a passport, birth certificate or Home Office documents. But don’t risk your safety to get these documents. If you can’t get them safely, don’t worry, you can come in to see us without them.

The law recognises that you may not feel safe living near the perpetrator of the violence and that you may want to move away to ensure your safety. If you feel you'd be safer in another borough you have a legal right to approach any council in the UK for housing assistance.

If you don’t feel safe leaving the house, please phone us, so we can work out how best to help you.

What help will I get?

The help we can give will be specific to your personal situation. It can range from giving you advice and guidance specific to you, to offering you temporary or permanent accommodation. We can also arrange for you to have a support worker to help you through the process of leaving home in the safest way.