Apply to join the housing waiting list
Find out about council housing
Council housing (sometimes known as social housing) is:
- rented out by a local council or housing association to people who meet certain conditions – this means the council or housing association is the tenant’s landlord
- cheaper to rent than a private rental property
- usually rented out on a longer-term fixed assured shorthold tenancy
- in very high demand – many people want social housing
Check how long you could wait for a council house in Redbridge
Most people on the waiting list will not get a council house.
People who are offered a council house will have waited a long time.
We cannot tell you:
- how long you will have to wait
- if you will get a council house
You should look at other housing options.
There are more people on the waiting list than homes available.
In 2021 to 2022, there were:
- approximately 4000 social housing properties in Redbridge
- more than 7500 households waiting for a council house
- approximately 200 council houses offered
In 2021-2022, people who were offered social housing in Redbridge waited on average:
| Type of property | Average waiting time |
| Studio | 5 years and 4 months |
| 1 bedroom | 5 years and 8 months |
| 2 bedroom | 8 years and 1 month |
| 3 bedroom | 14 years and 6 months |
How to apply for a council house in Redbridge
You will need to look for and bid on properties if you are eligible to apply for a council house.
When you apply for a council house, the following steps happen:
- You join the waiting list – also known as the housing register
- We will let you know how to bid (apply) for a council house if you are successful in joining the waiting list
- We will let you know your priority banding on the waiting list
- You check and bid for properties
- We will let you know if you have been successful with your bid
Apply to join the housing waiting list
You will need to complete an online application form on the Choice Homes UK website to join the waiting list so you will need internet access.
You can get free computer access at Redbridge libraries.
Find your nearest library.
Find out how to book a computer, free WiFi and computer training at a Redbridge library.
Before you apply
- Check you are eligible to join the waiting list
- Read the guidance on how to complete the online application form (PDF 270KB)
- Make sure you have your National Insurance number
- Make sure you have a pen and paper ready to write down your reference number (or your phone to take a photo of the reference number) after you have completed the form
Apply on the Choice Homes UK website
Read the information on the Choice Homes UK home page about joining the waiting list.
Click on the ‘Online Application’ link to start your application.
You will have 30 minutes to complete the form.
Apply to join the waiting list on the Choice Homes UK website (link opens in a new tab)
After you have completed the online application form
You must provide documents to confirm your circumstances within 7 days of completing the form.
- View the list of documents (PDF 35KB)
- Scan or take a photo of your documents
- Email your documents with your reference number and name in the subject of the email to the Housing Register team
What happens if you can join the waiting list
We will send you a letter if you are eligible to join the waiting list within 28 days to:
- confirm that you are eligible
- confirm your priority banding
- tell you how to bid for a council house
- tell you what you should do while you are on the waiting list
If you are not eligible to join the waiting list
We will send you a letter within 28 days to let you know:
- why you are not eligible to join the waiting list
- how you can ask us to review our decision if you think you should be on the waiting list