The housing register
The housing register is a list of people who qualify for a council or housing association home.
If you qualify, we will assess your housing need and place you in a priority band.
Your priority band helps us decide who should be offered housing first.
Before you apply
There are not enough council and housing association homes to meet demand.
You should know that:
- many people wait a long time for social housing
- some households may wait up to 19 years
- you may find a home more quickly by renting from a private landlord
Check if this service is right for you
Do you qualify?
Read our housing allocations policy to check if you qualify.
If your situation changes you may not qualify anymore.
Are you homeless?
If you are homeless or about to become homeless, apply for homeless support instead.
Are you experiencing domestic abuse?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse:
- contact our housing advice service
- contact your tenancy officer if you are an Ealing Council tenant
- call 999 if you are in immediate danger
Are you a care leaver aged from 18 to 25?
Please contact your social worker for advice on finding a home.
Are you already on the housing register?
You can check your housing account for updates.
Are you affected by immigration restrictions?
You may not be able to join the housing register if your immigration status restricts access to public funds.
Find out more about entering and staying in the UK (GOV.UK)
You will need to find a home in the private rented sector instead.
Do you own a property?
If you or someone in your household owns a home, you may not qualify for social housing.
We will consider your situation when we assess your application.
If you are not eligible, you will need to find a property to rent in the private rented sector.
Apply to join the housing register
You will be asked to sign up to Locata Home to join the housing register.
Apply to join the housing register
If you need help applying, email locatahelp@ealing.gov.uk or phone 020 8825 8888.
What happens next
- we will check your application and documents
- we may ask you for more information
- we will write to you to tell you if you can join the housing register
If your application is successful, you will be placed in a priority band. You may be able to bid for available properties, depending on your priority band.
Find out about how we prioritise applications and waiting times in our housing allocations policy
Tell us about any changes
If you are on our housing register, you must let us know if there are any changes to:
- your address
- your health
- who lives with you
- your employment
Other housing options
You may have more chance of finding a home if you:
- look for homes in different areas
- consider different property types
- find a home in the private rented sector