council housing - how does it work?

[Stellata]

I've always rented privately while I've lived in London.
But rental costs are expensive. And if I lose my job [I will know next week...] I will likely need a cheaper option.
Do you have to apply?
Our council has this naff bidding scheme, so I know how that works from helping customers bid. But how do you get onto the register so that you can bid for a property?
I know that having 2 things puts you further up the list, from when I did voluntary work for Women's Aid. Like mental illness AND domestic violence. I just have the MI, though am strongly in recovery/managing it well.

Just, Council Housing UK 101/FAQ needed please.

[[Awakening]]

you'd need to talk to your local council.

yes you do need to apply and i believe you can be on the list even if you aren't homeless, because you're at risk of losing your home ?

Our council has the bidding system, which means that you get more choice with you home (not much though)

If you go to your local council and say that you'd like to be on the housing register (i think thats what its called) they should give you a long form.

If you are made homeless (by loss of you job etc) then you would be a higher priority i believe.

Also I rent privately but claim housing benefit. Are you doing this, because it would be a very good idea to if you are on a low income

hope this helped. good luck x

[Mrs Sam]

When we applied to go on the housing list we had to go to the local housing place (was the same place we paid our council tax) and just basically had a chat with this woman and then they did a house visit to make sure we looked after our places and stuff even though i lived with my parents! We got excellent customer status though :D which means you get better choice of housing.

Then you just go online and express interest in houses you like the look of. When your name is near the top of the list then you might go have some viewings and stuff too but other people will be viewing as well. Then when you're at the top of the list you get offered houses that you express interest in.

How quickly you get to the top of the list depends massively on your circumstances.

Have you thought about talking to Mind about housing too?

[startingagain]

Shelter helps as well, especially if you have MH issues.

[Mandimoo]

our council does the bidding thing, but does not own any houses. we'll be homeless on 30th July, so trying to get a new place fast. A private firm took over all council properties and for the last 2 years (unkowlingly) i've been bidding on the 1% of vacancies that they supply the coucil with and not on the 99% of vacancies that htey own, we're not even on their list (which seems stupid when they took over, surely they took on the waiting list too?)

look into housing associations too hun, mand x

[Stellata]

Thanks everyone.

So far, for the moment, I'm ok. But should I be in the situation where I might need, I'll bear all this information in mind.

[random.swirls]

If you do loose your job you will get housing benefit it may not be imminent but it will cover 99% of it. I imagine you will probably be quite low on the council housing list as you don't have kids etc. but the housing benefit will cover rent and so on

[earthbound_misfit]

speak to Shelter asap - they may be able to stop you becoming homeless, or at least advise you on your options.
At least then if it happens you will already be well on the way to getting help/housing.

Anyone can apply for council housing, however there are long waiting lists even though you will be higher up the list with MH problems (where I lived in Cumbria I was told 15 yrs wait for a council flat, despite extra priority for actually being street homeless!)

Also the legal minimum the council have to do is 'assist' you in finding housing - this can just be telling you to look in the paper for private rented. Some councils will help more though.

If you are 'priority' - elderly, ill, pregnant, have children etc then they ARE legally obliged to put a roof ove your head, even if it is a hostel or b&b. However sometimes MH problems aren't counted as 'illness'. (I was kicked out of a homeless hostel onto the streets for this reason.)

Where in London are you? My mums a councillor for richmond/twickenham/hampton area :)

Good luck....
B x

[Mandimoo]

you will be priority if you become jobless as they deem this makes you 'vulnerable'. also privately renting makes you vulnerable as they can give you notice whenever. mentioning mental ealth is a good idea, more vulnerable points. and of course threatened or becoming homeless means you get to seek emergency help. our council it has to be 28days before homelessnes.

[Stellata]

Thanks. :)

B, I live in NW London.