Applying for housing and transfers
Social housing in Wandsworth and how we allocate it
The council owns some 17,000 rented properties. However, demand for housing far exceeds supply so you are unlikely to be offered social housing unless you are assessed as having a very high priority or need for housing. In order to increase your chances of meeting your housing need, you should be as flexible as possible in terms of where you want to live and also consider other housing options.
On average, we are able to offer appropximately 1,000 council homes for rent each year. These properties are mainly flats in high rise blocks on estates.
We also work closely with registered social landlords (RSLs), also known as housing associations, who own or manage property in the borough and we have nomination rights to a significant number of these properties. On average, we are able to offer approximately 350 housing association homes for rent each year.
Some blocks or estates are managed by Resident Management Organisations (RMOs), which means that a resident group provides services to the block or estate. Residents who live in RMO properties are encouraged to participate to some extent. You can indicate on your application form whether you would like to be considered for these properties.
Each year, we estimate how many council and housing association properties are likely to become available for letting during the year. We also decide how many properties should be allocated to applicants on each queue (e.g. how many properties should be allocated to homeless households in temporary accommodation, how many to tenants wanting a transfer and how many to others). This is known as the 'allocation plan'.
Within each queue we arrange applicants into priority order, which takes account of your needs based on the information you have provided on your application form.
Availability of social housing
Further information about the availability of social housing is provided in the Access to Social Rented Housing booklet (request a copy online) or contact the housing department on 020 8871 6800.
