Contents
- 1 Who is eligible for social housing in the Netherlands
- 2 Are UK council houses free
- 3 Can foreigners get social housing in the Netherlands
- 4 What is the lowest band in council housing
- 5 Can I apply for council house outside London
- 6 Who lives in council houses UK
- 7 Who lives in council houses UK
- 8 What is the income limit for social housing UK
Your rent, joint income and capital (yours and any person registered at the same address ) must meet certain criteria (they should not be too high). In 2021 the maximum annual income is 40,024 euros. must be living in a rented property and pay maximum of 752.33 euros (in 2021) – Including servicekosten (service costs).
When we receive your online application we will first determine whether you qualify for housing. To qualify for an allocation of social housing in the borough you must:
Be eligible for an allocation of housing under immigration laws Be 18 years old or over (55 or over for sheltered housing applicants) Not have refused any offer or nomination of suitable accommodation within the last two years Have a housing need (e.g. are overcrowded or the accommodation is not suitable for medical reasons) Not have been previously involved in using false information to obtain public funds (housing or benefits) Not have made yourself intentionally homeless from your last home Have a good history of being able to manage a tenancy and pay your rent
For the full details on qualifying criteria for social housing see our Housing Allocation Scheme,
Who is highest priority for council housing?
Find out if you’re a priority for a home – You’re more likely to get a council home if you’ve been given priority by your council’s allocation scheme. This could be if you’re:
legally homeless or the council has a duty to find you accommodation if you’re homeless – check what help the council should give you moving because of a disability or serious, long-term health condition moving to a different area because of ‘hardship’ – this could be to get medical treatment, because you’re in danger or to take up a new job in a home that’s overcrowded or in poor condition
It’s likely to take you a long time to get an offer – even if you get priority in your area. In areas with long waiting lists, you might not be offered a home at all. It might be best to look for a home yourself or stay where you are – if you’re struggling with money, check if you can get help with your rent,
Can a non British citizen apply for a council house?
You need to be a British or Irish citizen or meet the immigration conditions. You’re likely to meet the immigration conditions if you’re settled here. For example, if you have settled status under the EU settlement scheme or indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Check the immigration and residence conditions if you are not sure.
Are UK council houses free
Rent in social housing – Shelter England Rent is money you pay your council or housing association to live in your home. Your tenancy agreement should tell you:
- how often you must pay your rent
- how it can be increased
- what any service charges are for
Council and housing association rents usually go up every April. The government has capped social housing rent increases to 7% from April 2023. Service charges are not covered by this cap. But housing associations and councils are encouraged to limit service charge increases to 7% too. You may have to pay a service charge for things like:
- cleaning, lighting and maintenance of internal communal areas
- gardening and maintenance of outside space
- entry systems, lifts and rubbish chutes
- caretakers, wardens or emergency alarm systems
- buildings insurance and management fees
- Service charges are much more common in flats than houses.
- If you have a low income you could get:
- Benefits may not cover your full rent.
- if you still need help.
- Housing benefit for council tenants is paid direct to your landlord.
Your benefits are usually paid to you if you get universal credit or rent from a housing association, You have to pass on the rent to your landlord. Most councils and housing associations will accept rent payments:
- online
- by phone
- by bank transfer or direct debit
- Your landlord might give you an electronic rent payment card to use at a post office or in certain shops.
- Check your tenancy agreement to see what it says.
- Most agreements say that you must pay your rent in advance.
- Some agreements allow for some rent free weeks, for example, at Christmas.
- If you do not pay on time, you are in breaking your agreement.
- Universal credit and housing benefit are both paid in arrears.
- You should still pay your rent if you can while you’re waiting for your benefits.
- Speak to your housing association or council if you cannot do this.
- Secure council tenants must get at least 4 weeks’ written notice of a rent increase.
- Most housing associations will also give you at least 4 weeks’ notice.
- Councils and housing associations can charge either social rent or affordable rent.
Social rent is more common. It is less than you’d pay a private landlord for a similar property. Affordable rent can be up to 80% of what a private landlord normally charges. It’s more common in new build properties. Last updated: 31 March 2023 : Rent in social housing – Shelter England
Renting in the Netherlands – If you’re thinking of renting in the Netherlands, you have plenty of choice. Within the Netherlands, you’ll find a few main types of housing structures. These include detached houses ( vrijstaand ), semi-detached houses ( twee onder een kap ), townhouses ( rijteshuis ), apartments ( appartement ), and, of course, houseboats ( woonboot ).
- The process of renting accommodation is fairly straightforward.
- First, you’ll need to find a place you’d be comfortable living, either through your own search or through an agency (which will charge you fees).
- Thankfully, there are many online property portals operating in the Netherlands these days, making the process easier.
These include:
Funda Pararius Homelike HousingAnywhere
Once you’ve found a place, you’ll need to agree on the rental terms, such as how repairs will be handled, whether it’s a fixed-term rental, how utilities will be handled, and the like. Once you’ve agreed on all this, all that’s left is signing the contract.
Make sure you read the contract thoroughly! Accessible social housing is a national priority for the Dutch government. In fact, many of the available rentals in the Netherlands are offered under social housing. This means that rent is capped at an affordable amount and is available to those considered low-income, disabled, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable.
Because of the income limits, and the years-long waitlists, social housing isn’t a viable option for most expats. In 2021, the rental limit for social housing is €752.33. To qualify, annual income limits in 2021 range from €40,024 to €44,655,
Waiting lists for social housing continue to grow, Landsmeer hits 22 years April 26, 2021 A poster in Amsterdam protesting about the sale of social housing Photo: DutchNews.nl A poster in Amsterdam protesting about the sale of social housing. Photo: DutchNews.nl Waiting lists for social housing have stretched to in a quarter of the Netherlands’ 355 local authority areas, according to research by public broadcaster NOS. The longest waiting list – 22 years – is in Landsmeer, a village just north of Amsterdam, but the waits are similar in other towns and villages surrounding the capital.
In Amsterdam itself, the average waiting time for a rent-controlled home is 13 years. The long waits are down to the shortage of social housing – which has a rent of below €750 and has strict income requirements attached. Between 2015 and 2020, the number of housing corporation rent controlled properties rose by 1% while the population grew 3%.
‘I am not surprised by the unacceptable long waiting lists,’ said Martin van Rijn, chairman of the housing corporation umbrella group Aedes. ‘Only and better regional coordination can reduce this frustration.’ To do this, social housing providers need both direction and financial support from national government, he said.
- Earlier this year, housing corporations, real estate investors and local authorities said the Netherlands needs to build one million new homes to meet demand.
- According to government figures, some 60% of the 7.5 million homes in the Netherlands are owner occupied.
- Private landlords, including investment companies own 8% and the rest are in the hands of the country’s housing associations.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Private sector rental homes – Based on the results of the points system, rental homes that cost more than €808,06 in base rent per month (2023 threshold) are not regulated. This is called free sector or private sector rental ( vrije sector ). In such cases, the landlord is free to set their own rental price and determine annual rent increases; there is no maximum.
How can I get a council house fast UK?
Council Housing Priority List – Once you have applied for a council house, your application will be placed on a waiting list. The council will prioritise applications based on the urgency of housing need. The priority list is determined by various factors such as homelessness, overcrowding, medical conditions, and other welfare reasons.
Being on the priority list increases your chances of being offered a council house sooner. Factors that can give you extra priority include being homeless, living in unsanitary or overcrowded conditions, needing to move for medical or welfare reasons, or fleeing violence. It’s important to keep your local council updated on any changes in your circumstances that may affect your priority status.
This includes changes in your housing situation, medical conditions, or any other relevant factors.
Before you apply for council housing
Property size needed according to household make-up | Maximum net annual income |
---|---|
Single person | £27,700 |
1 bedroom, couple | £29,700 |
2 bedrooms, single or couple with children | £56,200 |
3 bedrooms, single or couple with children | £64,900 |
How long is the waiting list for a council house in the UK?
If you are a current tenant and looking to move home, or you’re on the housing register, unfortunately you could face a long wait until moving day. There are over 7,400 people currently on the waiting list, and a shortage of available homes, which means extremely long waiting times for council housing.
- Depending on your situation, you could be waiting up to 10 years for a large family home and up to four years for a studio, one or two bedroom property.
- There is an acute shortage of large, family-sized properties in Southampton, but we currently have vacancies in our supported and housing with care schemes.
There are ways that you can reduce the wait time and get moving a lot sooner, such as:
What is the lowest band in council housing
We’ve made several changes, including: No more points –
You’ll be placed in order of priority based on your housing need. There are five bands, with 1 being the highest, and 5 the lowest. You’ll be put in band 3 if you have overcrowding and/or medical points. This is regardless of how may points you had before. You won’t get any priority if you live in a home with shared facilities.
What is the highest amount of housing benefit?
The lowest amount a person could qualify for is £0.50 per week HB. A person’s maximum eligible rent is £200 per week. This is the maximum HB they could get.
Can you be a British citizen without living in UK?
If you’re a Commonwealth citizen – If you want to apply for citizenship, you’ll need to have the right to live and work permanently in the UK. This usually means you’ll need indefinite leave to remain or ‘right of abode’. Check if citizenship is right for you before you apply – it can cost more than £1,300.
Can I buy property in the UK if I’m not a citizen?
Buying a Home in the UK as a Foreigner – In the UK, there are no limitations on foreigners purchasing a property. In the UK, non-citizens and foreigners can also obtain a mortgage. Those who have been in the UK for less than two years and are unemployed, on the other hand, may have to meet more stringent requirements and pay a bigger deposit.
Can I apply for council house outside London
Whether you are a social housing tenant or not, if you would like to move to another council area you can apply directly to join the housing waiting list in the area of your choice. You first need to find out which local authority your chosen area is in, and then ask them for a housing application form.
- Contact details for all councils can be found on gov.uk,
- You can maximise your chances of moving by choosing areas where there is less demand for social housing.
- However, many councils have long waiting lists of their own, as there is a shortage of social housing across the country.
- For more information please email us at [email protected] or call us on 020 7527 4140.
We are based at the Islington Customer Centre, 222 Upper Street, London, N1 1XR. Our offices are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
How much is council house rent in UK?
The impact of this change as of 14 December 2022 will be an increase to the current average calculated 52-week net social housing rent, from £73.44 per week to £78.17 per week – an average increase of £4.71 per week, and an increase on affordable rent from £116.91 per week to £124.31 an average increase of £7.58 per
Who lives in council houses UK
Golden Lane Estate (1955–1962), London Council houses at Hackenthorpe, South Yorkshire Public housing in the United Kingdom, also known as council housing or social housing, provided the majority of rented accommodation until 2011 when the number of households in private rental housing surpassed the number in social housing.
- Dwellings built for public or social housing use are built by or for local authorities and known as council houses,
- Since the 1980s non-profit housing associations became more important and subsequently the term “social housing” became widely used, as technically council housing only refers to housing owned by a local authority, though the terms are largely used interchangeably.
Before 1865, housing for the poor was provided solely by the private sector. Council houses were then built on council estates, known as schemes in Scotland, where other amenities, like schools and shops, were often also provided. From the 1950s, blocks of flats and three-or-four-storey blocks of maisonettes were widely built, alongside large developments of terraced housing, while the 1960s and to some degree the 1970s saw construction of many high-rise tower blocks,
Flats and houses were also built in mixed estates. Council homes were built to supply uncrowded, well-built homes on secure tenancies at reasonable rents to primarily working-class people. Council housing in the mid-20th century included many large suburban council estates, featuring terraced and semi-detached houses, where other amenities like schools and shops were often also provided.
By the late 1970s, almost a third of UK households lived in social housing. Since 1979 council housing stock has been sold to private occupiers under the Right to Buy legislation, and new social housing has mainly been developed and managed by housing associations,
What percentage of UK population live in council housing?
Summary of Renting social housing By ethnicity Summary – This data shows that:
in 2016 to 2018, 17% of households (3.9 million) in England lived in social housing (they rented their home from a local authority or housing association) 16% of White British households rented social housing only Indian (7%), Chinese (10%), and White Other (11%) households were less likely to rent social housing households with higher rates of renting social housing were from the Black African (44%), Mixed White and Black African (41%) and Black Caribbean (40%) ethnic groups
White British | Other than White British | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Region | White British % | White British Social housing households (‘000s) | White British All households (‘000s) | Other than White British % | Other than White British Social housing households (‘000s) | Other than White British All households (‘000s) |
East | 16 | 342 | 2,186 | 14 | 52 | 367 |
East Midlands | 15 | 251 | 1,688 | 17 | 50 | 289 |
London | 18 | 303 | 1,660 | 27 | 473 | 1,778 |
North East | 23 | 250 | 1,090 | 19 | 13 | 68 |
North West | 17 | 479 | 2,757 | 21 | 80 | 384 |
South East | 14 | 440 | 3,244 | 11 | 55 | 522 |
South West | 13 | 298 | 2,269 | 12 | 21 | 175 |
West Midlands | 18 | 360 | 1,978 | 19 | 77 | 415 |
Yorkshire and the Humber | 17 | 345 | 1,992 | 20 | 60 | 299 |
Download table data for ‘By ethnicity and area’ (CSV) Source data for ‘By ethnicity and area’ (CSV)
Is it hard to get a council house UK?
You apply for council housing through your local council. Each council has its own rules. You’ll usually have to join a waiting list and you’re not guaranteed to get a property. Ask your council how long you’re likely to have to wait. You can apply if you’re 18 or over (some councils let you apply if you’re 16 or over). You may be able to apply even if you do not live in the area.
Who lives in council houses UK
Golden Lane Estate (1955–1962), London Council houses at Hackenthorpe, South Yorkshire Public housing in the United Kingdom, also known as council housing or social housing, provided the majority of rented accommodation until 2011 when the number of households in private rental housing surpassed the number in social housing.
Dwellings built for public or social housing use are built by or for local authorities and known as council houses, Since the 1980s non-profit housing associations became more important and subsequently the term “social housing” became widely used, as technically council housing only refers to housing owned by a local authority, though the terms are largely used interchangeably.
Before 1865, housing for the poor was provided solely by the private sector. Council houses were then built on council estates, known as schemes in Scotland, where other amenities, like schools and shops, were often also provided. From the 1950s, blocks of flats and three-or-four-storey blocks of maisonettes were widely built, alongside large developments of terraced housing, while the 1960s and to some degree the 1970s saw construction of many high-rise tower blocks,
Flats and houses were also built in mixed estates. Council homes were built to supply uncrowded, well-built homes on secure tenancies at reasonable rents to primarily working-class people. Council housing in the mid-20th century included many large suburban council estates, featuring terraced and semi-detached houses, where other amenities like schools and shops were often also provided.
By the late 1970s, almost a third of UK households lived in social housing. Since 1979 council housing stock has been sold to private occupiers under the Right to Buy legislation, and new social housing has mainly been developed and managed by housing associations,
Before you apply for council housing
Property size needed according to household make-up | Maximum net annual income |
---|---|
Single person | £27,700 |
1 bedroom, couple | £29,700 |
2 bedrooms, single or couple with children | £56,200 |
3 bedrooms, single or couple with children | £64,900 |
Can you still buy council houses in UK?
What is Right to Buy? – When exploring whether to buy your council home, you will likely encounter the Right to Buy scheme. The Right to Buy is a scheme in England (the scheme has different rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so it’s worth checking if this applies to you) which allows council tenants the right to buy their council property at a discount price.
Houses – You’ll get a 35% discount if you’ve been a tenant for between 3 – 5 years. After 5 years, it goes up 1% for every additional year, giving you a maximum discount of 70% Flats – You get a 50% discount if you’ve been a tenant for between 3 – 5 years. After 5 years, it increases by 2% for every extra year, resulting in a maximum discount of 70%
However, not everyone is eligible to qualify for Right to Buy the following criteria should apply to you:
It’s your only property – This means the property is your main home where you currently live The property you want to purchase is self-contained – You don’t share any of your rooms with anyone else outside of your household (for example, bathrooms, kitchens, toilets etc) Secure tenant – This refers to whether or not you are currently a council tenant or were a council tenant when your home was sold to your current landlord You’ve been 3 years in your home – If you’ve been a public sector tenant for 3 or more years No legal issues with debt – If you’re being made bankrupt, have a pending bankruptcy petition, or have obtained a debt relief order you may not qualify No outstanding possession orders – A possession order is made when your landlord takes you to court. This can be for outstanding rent or relate to whether you’ve breached your tenancy in some way Significant money has been spent on the property – If any changes have been made to the property and the money spent by your landlord is higher than what the property is worth, you won’t be eligible for a discount
It’s also important to remember that even though Right to Buy offers you a discount on the cost of your home, you’ll still be eligible for general maintenance costs so it’s worth checking that those costs are something you’re able to pay in the long term.