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, and you’ll 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 alternative schemes to find you settled accommodation more quickly in other parts of London, or further afield.
Transfer to another social housing property within London
The Housing Moves scheme is the Mayor of London’s scheme to help social tenants in London to relocate to other boroughs.
All council tenants and housing association tenants can apply under the scheme, as long as they have a secure or assured tenancy. Priority is given to:
people who have more bedrooms than they need and wish to downsize
people in work or training
people who want to move to give care
To find out more and to register for the scheme visit Housing Moves.
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 or with 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:
If you are over 55 you can bid for social properties which are age-restricted and so you might be able to move into them more quickly than a standard property.
If you are over 60, the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme is open to Council or housing association tenants who live in London and want to relocate the countryside or the coast. All applicants must be at least 60 years of age and capable of independent living.
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