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How to apply for social housing

Read how to apply for social housing and what you need to make an application.

Other housing options

Intermediate housing  

Intermediate housing rents are higher than social housing rents but lower than private rental costs—up to 80% of the typical private rent. This option may be suitable for those who find private rents unaffordable but do not qualify for social housing. 

To learn more, visit Homes for Westminster(link is external)

Private rented sector  

Finding private rented properties in Westminster can be challenging. For information on your rights and guidance, visit our website: Private Sector Housing. 

You may also want to explore housing options outside Westminster and use websites such as Rightmove(link is external) and Zoopla(link is external) to find available properties. 

Shelter also provides advice on finding landlords who accept benefits: How to find landlords or agents who accept benefits – Shelter England. 

Mutual exchange  

The scheme is designed for people living in Council or Housing Association properties who wish to swap their home with another tenant. Many people choose to swap in order to obtain a larger or smaller home, or to move to a different area. When you mutually exchange your home, you are swapping tenancies with another tenant.

You can find more information on the Homeswapper website(link is external).

Homefinder  

Find available Council and Housing Association homes, as well as private rented properties, to help meet your housing needs outside high-demand areas. This may be an option if you are homeless, rough sleeping, overcrowded, or at risk of homelessness. 

For more information, visit: Homefinder UK(link is external) 

Published: 8 January 2021

Last updated: 3 March 2025