Are you eligible for housing?
If you want to apply for a council or a housing association home, the first step is to check if you’re eligible to join Havering’s housing register.
This register is where those who qualify can bid for available homes.
The limited amount of housing in Havering
Like many places in the UK, Havering is facing a housing crisis. Rents keep going up, and more families can’t afford private rentals.
This means demand for social housing is very high and there are simply not enough social housing properties to keep up with this increasing demand.
To make sure homes go to those who need them most, Havering introduced a new Housing Allocations Scheme in September 2025.
This scheme uses a points system to make the process fairer and more transparent.
Existing applicants who were already on the register before the scheme changed in September 2025 are protected under this system.
Number of homes available
Despite the Housing Allocations Scheme, the number of homes remains very limited, especially for larger homes and those adapted for disabilities.
For example, in 2025 there were over 3,600 applicants on the register, but only 335 homes became available.
- 104 were 2 bedroom
- 97 were 3 bedroom
- Only 5 were 4 bedroom
This shows how tough it is to meet demand, especially for families needing more space.
Due to this shortage, we also provide temporary accommodation for people at immediate risk of homelessness.
We’re actively working on new solutions like purchasing properties in the private rented market for renting, converting office buildings and building modular homes to provide good quality affordable housing.
Who can apply to join the housing register?
You can usually join the housing register if you:
- are 18 or older
- meet immigration and residency rules
- have lived in Havering for 4 out of the last 6 years (with some exceptions)
- don’t own a property
- have no rent arrears or eviction history
- weren’t placed in Havering by another council
- are in housing need (eg overcrowded, homeless, fleeing domestic abuse, or have medical needs)
Some tenancy types and applicants may not qualify and you can read the full details in the allocations policy.
The points system
When you apply, you’ll be placed in one of these groups.
- Homeless households – Those owed a homelessness duty by Havering Council
- Existing social housing tenants – Tenants needing to move (eg overcrowded or downsizing)
- General applicants – Everyone else who qualifies
Points are awarded based on your circumstances, such as:
- homelessness or risk of homelessness
- overcrowding or poor housing conditions
- medical or welfare needs
- need to move for work, care, or support
- armed forces service
- downsizing
Your points and the date you applied for social housing will be taken into consideration when bidding for homes.