We can’t provide the vast majority of people with a council home. However we can help you to prevent homelessness and help you to find settled housing.
We can advise you on housing options based on your circumstances. We offer:
assistance with keeping your home. For example, we can help mediate with your landlord or your family member
help to prevent you from becoming homeless
support to help you move into privately rented home
advice to help you if you need supported housing
I am worried about being illegally evicted
We’ve recently seen an increase in cases of harassment and illegal evictions by landlords. If you’re threatened with eviction and are worried your landlord is not acting legally then we can help. Please contact us immediately, as we have specialist trained officers who can advise you. For more information see illegal evictions.
Find privately rented accommodation
Most people successfully rent in the private rented sector. By proactively looking for a privately rented property you can find somewhere quickly. You will also have more choice over the type of property that you live in.
What support can the Council give me?
If you decide to look for privately rented accommodation, the Council may be able to provide the following assistance:
one month rent in advance
security deposit paid
landlord compliance check
longest possible tenancy terms
pre-inspection of the property
practical and financial help with removals
transport costs for viewing and moving if outside of London
financial assistance to provide white goods if they aren’t provided by the landlord
Attend a training course
The Council provide free monthly tenancy training sessions for those wishing to find their own accommodation. To enquire about attending the next course, please contact us on 020 8356 4411.
How can I look for a property?
Use our 6-step guide to help you look for a property.
There are a number of websites where you can start to look for a property. A good starting point is:
You can also contact and visit estate agents. To find out about the type of properties that they have on offer.
You may need to make sure that the landlord accepts tenants who are in receipt of benefits.
I’m a current social tenant, what options do I have to find a new property?
We have a number of schemes available for current social tenants who would like to move out of their property.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to join other schemes. To find you settled accommodation more quickly in other parts of London, or further afield.
Swap your property with another council tenant in Hackney
As a social tenant, you can apply to exchange properties with:
other council tenants within the borough
tenants from another council, housing association or other housing providers
You can get a mutual exchange application form by contacting your local neighbourhood housing office on:
Seaside & Country Homes offers people aged 55 and over that live in social housing in London the opportunity to move to bungalows and flats, managed by housing associations located mainly across the south coast but also in eastern England and the west country.
Transfer to another social housing property within London
The Housing Moves scheme is the Mayor of London’s scheme. It helps social tenants in London to relocate to other boroughs.
Housing Moves has changed Following a recent review of the scheme.
We (the Mayor of London) have taken the difficult decision to change Housing Moves.
From 1 July 2022, the scheme will be available to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and former rough sleepers. Rather than social tenants more widely.
Housing Moves is now permanently closed to new applications except those from the above groups.
To find out more and to register for the scheme visit Housing Moves.
If you don’t currently have an existing social tenancy, we recommend registering with Homefinder UK and Homehunt to help you find affordable properties across the UK.
Homefinder UK is a national housing mobility scheme available to anyone willing to move nationwide including:
homeless households
applicants living in temporary accommodation
private sector tenants threatened with homelessness