Getting on the Housing List in Southwark

Understanding how to apply to get on the waiting list for social housing is the first step towards acquiring a council home. If you are navigating complex challenges, this process can be confusing and difficult.

This document explains what to expect while applying for the housing list, how to prepare documents and information, how to assess which band you are in, what your outcomes could look like, a note on well-being and reference to useful services.

Who can apply?

Age Limit: You can apply to the Southwark Council Housing list from the age of 16, but you cannot hold tenancy until you are 18 (a trustee can sign on your behalf until then).
Local Connection: You need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

- Lived in Southwark for the last 5 years

- An adult in your household works 16+ hours/week in Southwark (for at least 9 out of the last 12 months)

- You have family living in Southwark for 5+ years that you support or receive support from

- Specific reason such as severe social or medical needs

What are Bands?

The banding system is made up of four priority bands, Band 1 is the highest and Band 4 is the lowest. To be moved into a higher band you must meet one of the higher band criteria, dependent on what you meet will determine your banding on the housing list.

Band 1: Highest Priority (Very Likely to be Housed)

You may qualify for Band 1 if:

You are under-occupying your current home, or have a legal right to take over a Southwark Council or housing association tenancy, but the property doesn't suit your household's needs

You need to move because the council is carrying out major works on your home
Your home is officially overcrowded under the law
There's an emergency reason for an urgent transfer. For example, a threat to life, police advice to move for safety reasons, or another serious situation not otherwise covered within the Allocation Scheme

You need specially adapted housing to leave hospital

You were seriously injured or became seriously ill while serving in the armed forces

Band 2: Second Priority (Likely to be Housed)

You may qualify for Band 2 if:

You have a severe medical need, or an urgent social welfare need, to move houses (confirmed by the relevant panel)

Your home permanently lacks hot water, heating, a kitchen, an indoor toilet, or a bathroom

You're a private tenant forced to leave due to council enforcement action, or you're vacating a specially adapted council/housing association home

You are a Southwark care leaver ( applicable for studio flats only)

You are in hostel 'move on' accommodation moving towards independent living

You are part of a multi-agency public protection arrangement (MAPPA)

A child's wellbeing is at serious risk, and housing is a contributing factor (confirmed by Children's Services)

You have an agreed fostering or adoption placement needing a bigger home

You are a young adult with a learning disability moving towards independent living

You're being discharged from the Armed Forces in housing need, or are a bereaved spouse/civil partner of someone who served

Band 3 (Some Priority)

You may qualify for Band 3 if:

You're homeless and the council has a legal duty to house you

Applicants who accept a property in the private rented sector through sections 148 and 149 of the Localism Act 2011

Your home is overcrowded, but not to the point of being statutorily overcrowded under the law

You have a moderate health issue and there is a clear medical reason to move

Band 4 (Low Priority)

You may qualify for Band 4 if:

You're homeless, but the council does not have a legal duty to house you (you'll still get one Priority Star)

All other applicants who don't meet the criteria above

How to Apply?

Go to ‘Your Accounts’

Add ‘Housing Applications’

Click ‘View’ Housing Applications and then click ‘Complete a housing Application Form

Southwark Council also has a short video walking through the process.

There are two ways to get a 'bidding number' (which lets you start bidding on homes):

Apply Online: Fill in and submit the online form. This takes about 28 days and usually places you in Band 4 to start with.

Apply for bidding number via Southwark

Online Form and submit it (28 days process)

Usually placed in a Band 4

Apply as homeless

Tell the council you're homeless. They have 56 days to assess whether they have a legal duty to house you, that is, if you must be given some priority, for example, if you have children or a health condition that makes you more vulnerable. If they accept, you get main housing duty, you'll get a bidding number in Band 3.

Once you have a bidding number, keep bidding on properties regularly. You can also take the steps below to try to improve your band.

How to Move Up a Band

If there is a change in circumstances, you may be able to move up a band. Make sure to report any changes in circumstances. This includes changes to your health, your tenancy, who lives with you, your employment status, your address, or problems like infestation or structural damage. Use the online form to update the council about a change in your housing circumstances.

Ask for a medical review: If there is a significant change in your or your family member’s health status, you will need to report it with evidence and ask for a medical review. Change in health status refers to a condition that seriously affects your daily life such as chronic illness, disability, severe neurodivergence, etc. Examples of evidence include an EHCP plan (for severe neurodivergence), a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award, or a documented diagnosis with supporting letters from your GP or a medical consultant. A successful review can move you up a band, but every case is decided individually.

Priority Stars:

- Get a volunteering Priority Star: If you volunteer in the same place for 6 months or more, you can get a priority star. Evidence includes a letter confirming your role, responsibilities, and how long you've volunteered, contract, start date. This alone would not make you eligible to move up a band but can improve your priority status within a band.

- Get a working Priority Star: If you have worked over 16 hours/week for at least 9 of the last 12 months and are over 18 years of age, you can get a working priority star. Evidence includes a letter confirming your role, responsibilities, and how long you've volunteered, contract, start date, and proof of wages.

Having both stars gives you the best chance of moving up a band. With just one star, you're more likely to gain priority within your current band rather than move up to a new one.

Ask for a review of decision: If the council refuses your request or you disagree with a decision, you can ask them to look at it again. Providing new evidence to support your case will help.

Looking After your Well-Being:

Waiting to be housed can take anything from 8 to 27 years and can often be difficult and stressful for applicants. Many households experience challenges such as overcrowding, uncertainty about when they will be offered a property, and the impact of temporary or unsuitable living arrangements on daily life. While these challenges are real, there are steps you can take to look after your well-being during this period.

Stay Connected: Try to maintain supportive relationships with friends, family, or community groups. Talking with others who understand your situation can reduce feelings of isolation.
Look After Your Health: Establishing small daily routines such as regular sleep, exercise, and balanced meals can make a difference in managing stress.
Access Support Services: Local organisations and charities often provide advice, activities, and emotional support while you are waiting. Your GP or housing support practitioner may be able to signpost you to free or low-cost resources. Please see below for links to support services.
Manage Stress in the Moment: Simple techniques such as slow breathing, going for a walk, or writing things down can help manage feelings of frustration or worry.
Stay Informed: Keep track of your application and check in regularly with the council or your housing support practitioner. Having clear information can help reduce uncertainty.

Local Support Services

It is important to remember that waiting for housing can take time, but you are not alone in the process. Seeking support and taking small steps to look after your health and well-being can make this period more manageable.

Spring Community Hub: They provide support including food bank, clothes bank, volunteering opportunities, community groups, a community café, and a men's group.