What are my housing options as a social housing tenant?

If you are a current social housing tenant, it is important that you do not relinquish your tenancy, even if you believe your property is inaccessible. Relinquishing your tenancy may negatively affect your future housing options.

A community Occupational Therapist (OT) can complete an assessment of your home and your accessibility needs. This specialist assessment will inform whether adaptations are required and whether they can reasonably be carried out. Following the OT assessment, a report will be provided, which can be used as evidence to support requests for rehousing or adaptations. The OT will advise whether adaptations are possible or whether rehousing should be considered.

Your social landlord will need to agree to the adaptations. Unfortunately, there are occasions where a Housing Association may refuse to carry out adaptation works. If adaptations are not feasible, rehousing options will need to be explored.

To maximise housing options, we advise that you approach your local council as well as joining the internal management transfer list (if the Housing Association has one).

If you are unsure whether your property is owned by a Housing Association or the Local Authority, this can usually be confirmed by checking who you pay rent to, as this organisation will be your landlord.

If you do not know which local council you fall under, you can find this information via the following website:

Find your local council - GOV.UK