Apply for council housing (go on the Housing Register)

New Allocation Scheme 2021

We have successfully launched the Council’s new Housing Allocation Scheme on 04 February 2021.  This replaced the earlier policy that had been in place since September 2013.

A number of vacant Council and housing association properties have since been advertised and allocated to applicants who have been re-assessed and prioritised for accommodation, in line with the new allocation scheme.

Work on the framework for the new scheme was undertaken over many months including a large consultation exercise with residents and stakeholders before the final details were approved.

The new scheme is fully compliant with all relevant legislation introduced since the implementation of the earlier 2013 policy. In addition, the Council have simplified the priority system so that applicants may have a better understanding of their priority levels and possible waiting times for social housing.  This will enable them to make informed choices about other housing options.

The scheme features numerous updates which include:

• 5 new priority bands
• revised eligibility criteria
• and changes to bedroom assessments for households. 

Full details of the new housing allocation scheme

As part of the implementation of the new policy, all existing housing applicants were contacted with a request that they update their applications via the online housing registration form.

We are aware that some applicants have not yet completed necessary updates to their applications as requested and would encourage all customers to ensure that their details are fully updated as a matter of urgency.  This is to ensure that Housing Services have their correct information and household details on file for rehousing.

Over the coming weeks, housing applications for those customers who have failed to update their details as requested will be canceled.  This may result in the loss of any previously awarded priority for housing and associated waiting time on the housing register.

If you have been asked to update your application for housing and require some advice or assistance around this process, please contact the Waltham Forest Customer Services Team

• 020 8496 4197
• wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk

Before contacting us read more about the new scheme below.

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Social housing in Waltham Forest is extremely limited. There are not enough available homes to house everyone who applies. This means that only residents who have the highest priority will be considered for a council home.
We strongly suggest you try other ways to find a home. Please visit our page on affordable homes to rent or buy for details on:

• affordable home ownership schemes
• affordable rent schemes
• affordable rents for key workers
• self-help guides to finding a home

The Housing Register

Before you can look for a council or housing association home in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, you will need to be on the Housing Register. You can apply if you’re over 18 and in most cases have lived in the borough for the past five years.

The Housing Register assessment process will take into account your individual circumstances to rank your level of housing need from Band 1 (highest priority) to Band 5 (no priority). You can see the rules about who gets priority for housing by downloading our allocation scheme.

Sheltered Housing

To apply for sheltered housing, you will need to join the Housing Register. You can apply if you're over 50 and in most cases have lived in the borough for the past five years.

You can provide medical information online. You can now supply medical information (Disability Health Questionnaire) to support an existing housing application for you and members of your household.

To do this you will need to complete the change in your circumstances form online.

Medical details can also be submitted for consideration as part of any new application made for housing.