Applying to the housing register

The demand for council housing far outweighs supply in Southend and across England as a whole. Many of those who qualify for inclusion on the Housing Register are not offered social housing. 

In almost all cases you will find alternative accommodation much quicker by renting from a private landlord. If you are on a low income you may be able to get help with rent payments by claiming Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

Before applying for social housing please consider if the circumstances below apply. 

To be considered for inclusion on the Housing Register, you must:
  • Be over 16

  • Have an immigration status that makes you eligible to be considered for social housing

  • Have one of the following housing needs:

    • Lack bedrooms in your current property (where 2 same sex children are expected to share a room, and opposite sex children can share a room until the age of 10)

    • Have a medical/welfare condition that is being impacted by your current living arrangements, where your need cannot be resolved in your existing home i.e. through aids and adaptations

    • Be fleeing violence/harassment/abuse

    • Be homeless, or at risk of homelessness in the next 56 days

    • Your property remains in a poor state of repair despite notifying your landlord, giving them reasonable access to the property, and opportunity to rectify

    • Be ready/almost ready to leave care or supported housing

    • Your rent costs over a third of your household income

    • You are a former care leaver under the age of 25, to whom the Council has acted as the Corporate Parent

    • You are a Better Queensway resident, where you:

      • Are a secure Southend Council/South Essex Homes tenant

      • Do not wish to remain on the regenerated scheme, and

      • Have been issued with a letter to advise that you will need to move within the next 18 months

    • You have spare rooms in a social rented property and wish to downsize to a home that meets your needs

    • You are willing to give up an adapted property you no longer require

  • Not have excessive rent arrears, property related debt, or persistent anti-social behaviour

  • Not have income, savings or assets that would enable you to resolve your own needs

If you meet the above criteria, you may wish to apply to join our register. 
You can make an application by clicking on the 'Register' tab on the top right hand corner of this page. After registering, you will then be prompted to complete an application form for social housing.