Disability housing pathway: if you are not known to social services

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Eligibility Criteria: If you are 18+

If you need emergency help with housing, please contact the Housing Solutions Team immediately by calling 0207 361 3008 or emailing [email protected][KM1] . Examples of emergencies are:

  • you are at risk of violence
  • you have nowhere to sleep tonight
  • you need to leave your temporary accommodation
  • you are a victim of a flood or fire.

You can apply to the housing register if:

  • you are 18+
  • you have been living in Kensington and Chelsea for at least three years without a break. This is called the ‘local residency rule’. However, there are exceptions to when this may not apply to you. Please check the housing allocations scheme policy: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/consultations-publications-and-policy/housing-policies-0/housing-allocation-scheme-2023
  • you are a British or Irish citizen
  • you have indefinite leave to remain
  • you have settled status under the EU settlement scheme
  • you have the ‘right of abode’ as a Commonwealth citizen
  • you have refugee status or humanitarian protection
  • you have a visa that allows you recourse to public funds.

The Housing allocations Scheme details when you can and cannot apply to join the housing register on pages 9 – 12 and can be found here: Housing Allocation Scheme 2023 | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Applying

To apply to the housing register please complete the online form here - Housing assistance online form | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

You can find the full guide here: Applying to the Housing Register | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

If you need help to apply you can contact the Housing Solutions Team via:

  • In person: Customer Service Centre The Town Hall Hornton Street London W8 7NX (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm)
  • By Phone: 020 7361 3008
  • By Email: [email protected]

Step

What Happens

1. Acknowledgment & Triage

RBKC reviews your form. You’ll be contacted.

2. Case Officer Assigned

A Housing Officer contacts you to gather more info and documents.

3. Assessment

Your eligibility is assessed under homelessness law and/or housing register rules.

4. Decision Notification

You’ll get a decision: - Accepted: Placed on the Housing Register or offered support/accommodation. - Refused: You’ll get a written explanation with a right to request a review.

5. Next Steps (if accepted)

- Start bidding for homes (if on register). - May be offered temporary or permanent housing.

6. Review Rights

You can review decisions (e.g. ineligibility, unsuitable housing) within 21 days.

Are you are not 18 or over?

You can only apply to housing once you have reached the age of 18. Please see the section about applying to housing once you are 18+.

Page last reviewed: 07/07/2025

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