Council housing
Apply for council housing
To be considered for council or housing association properties you need to be on our Housing Register. Because there are few properties available and high demand for accommodation we need to prioritise who qualifies for the Housing Register.
We strongly suggest that you consider other housing options such as privately renting before applying to go on the Housing Register, as it can take years before you find a council home.
How to apply
To join the Housing Register you need to visit the www.homeoption.org website to find out if you are eligible to apply and, if you are eligible, complete the online application form.
You will need to have the following information to complete the online form:
- Your National Insurance number
- Details of your income and savings
- Your home addresses for the last 10 years
More information can be found by downloading:
What happens next
Once you have submitted your online application form you will be given a HomeOption number.
You will then need to supply us with copies of relevant proof of identity and residency documents to support your application within 14 days. If we need any further information from you, we will contact you and ask.
Once you have provided all the information we need, we will aim to contact you within 5 working days to advise you if you qualify to join the Housing Register.
How does it work
Each year we let around 500 council or housing association properties through our Choice-Based Letting Scheme to home seekers on the Register.
If you have been accepted onto our Housing Register, you will need to actively search for available council properties using the HomeOption website.
Available vacant homes are advertised on the HomeOption website and in printed property lists.
Home seekers can express an interest in up to three properties in any weekly cycle. Available homes will be offered to the home seekers who have the highest priority bandings and have been waiting longest; subject to satisfactory verification checks at the time the offer is made.
Need help with your application?
If you need help with your online application contact a member of the Housing Options Team.
Our phone lines are only open Monday – Friday from 9am to 1pm
- Email housingoptions@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
- Call 01992 564716
For more detailed information on moving home with with council
Housing register applicants
Find the number of applicants on our housing register by band and number of bedrooms on our open data page.