Advice: Can I get Council Housing?

Council housing is rented accommodation built by local councils for the benefit of the local population and to help tackle problems of insufficient housing.

In most areas of London, available council housing is very limited and there are long waiting lists. In some areas local councils have transferred their housing stock to Housing Associations or other local housing authorities to run.

Housing and homelessness law over the years has given councils duties to provide accommodation for vulnerable people who are not intentionally homeless. This includes homeless families with children, but most single homeless people are not usually given priority for council housing.

Further information

• To find out more about who is eligible and how to apply for council housing look at Shelter's website.
• To find details of your local council's Housing Department on Homeless London select the Service option Housing Department and the relevant Area on Search all services.