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Applying for council housing through choice-based lettings

What does it do?

Most local councils and housing associations let their properties through a central system known as choice-based lettings. 

Once you have completed your application for housing, you will be given a priority rating based on your personal circumstances. You can then use this rating to register your interest for vacant properties that you feel would be suitable, through the choice-based lettings website. This is often called ‘bidding’.

Who it is for?

Choice-based lettings is intended to give higher priority for housing to those who are considered to be in the greatest need. Each council will have a policy on who they are able to help. This is likely to consider a range of factors, such as your current housing situation, your finances and your connection to the area. 

Most councils receive more applications for housing than they are able to accommodate. Therefore it is important to notify them of any significant changes to your housing needs, as this may increase your priority rating. This may result in you being housed more quickly.

Where it is available?

Local service (Enfield, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Westminster, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Merton).

How to access or apply for it:

Please follow the link to our website, provided above, and select your local borough for more information about registering for housing in your area.

What to expect then:

All bids will be considered and those who have been successful will be invited to view the property, to see if it is suitable for them. 

Classification(s):

Info last updated:

06/12/2022