Social housing in the borough
The number of people applying for housing in
Kensington and Chelsea is much larger than the number of properties
available to the Council for letting each year. We aim to make sure
the properties we have are offered to the people most in need. If
you meet the criteria described (see Information on
social housing for full details) this page will explain how to
apply.
What is it?
The Common Housing Register (CHR) is a list of
people applying for social housing, which includes housing run by
the Council and housing associations. If you would like to be
re-housed to social housing in Kensington and Chelsea you need to
apply to join the CHR.
However, unless you have a significant
need to be re-housed; it is almost certain that you will never be
offered social housing.
How to apply
To apply to the CHR you need to download and
complete the housing
application form. You can download a form or call
Housingline and ask for a form to be posted to you.
When you apply, we will tell you whether you
are eligible for any type of social housing. If you are eligible,
you will be allocated a number of points to decide your level of
priority. The greater your housing need, the more points you are
given and the greater your chance of being re-housed. Please
contact the
Housing Needs Department for more information about
how points are allocated.
What are my chances of being re-housed through the CHR?
Between April 2009 and April 2010, there were
over 6,700 applicants for social housing in the borough and only
556 properties to let.
There are many tenants in Kensington and
Chelsea who for a number of different reasons, wish to move.
However, each year, whilst demand for properties goes up, the
number of vacancies that become available, gets smaller.
Of the 473 lettings last year, 271
of these properties were studios and one bedroom homes. Therefore,
the larger the property you need, the longer you will have to wait
for social housing as fewer larger, family-sized properties become
available each year. Even high priority applicants are likely to
wait for five years or more to be housed and possibly longer for
three bedroom and larger properties.
The Council’s Allocations Scheme explains who
is given priority for re-housing through the CHR.
You may wish to consider other options for
your housing. The Housing Opportunities Team can offer advice on
schemes available to you. For further information about housing
options, please call 020 7361 3008.
For more information on Home Connections,
please visit the Home Connections
website (opens a link in a new window).