How to apply
To apply, you need to complete our online application form. This will let you know whether you are eligible to apply and what housing options are best for you.
Who can apply
Not everyone is eligible to apply. To be included on the housing register, you should have a local connection to the area and a right to reside in the UK. Applicants whose household income exceeds a certain threshold, home owners or those who have a history of rent arrears or anti-social behaviour may not qualify - please check your eligibility by reading our Housing Allocations Policy.
To make an application, go to the online form here https://www.lewishamfindyourhome.org.uk/register/
I do not have access to a computer of Wi-Fi. How do I access the form?
We will no longer accept paper application forms. You will need access to a computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet to re-register and to view available properties each week.
If you do not have access to either a computer or the internet at home we ask that you check with a relative, friend or helper to see if they can provide you access to an internet ready device.
All libraries in the borough offer free internet access and free drop-in sessions helping improve digital skills.
I can access a device with internet access, but I don’t think I will be able to use it. What can I do?
We ask that you first check with a relative, friend or helper who may be able to help you. There are a number of groups in your local area that may also be able to assist you, These are:
• Citizens Advice – call 0300 330 9009
• Drop in sessions for services you already receive
• Lewisham Council Housing Team 0808 178 0939 .
I do not have an email address. How can I get one?
This is usually a simple process and takes just a few minutes. These can be obtained from Google, Hotmail and Yahoo to name a few examples. We ask that you have a go at setting up your own email address, ask someone you know to help or access the services named above.
What happens if I start completing the online application form and I do not have all the information I need to complete it? Or run out of time?
The form should take around 40 minutes to complete.
As long as you have gone past the stage in the form where you have to provide an email address and password, you can save the information on each screen and complete it another time.
How do I get my proof documents to you?
Go to 'sign in' at the top right hand corner of the webpage and enter your email address and password and there is the facility to 'upload documents'. This can be done at any stage after you have submitted your application. They must be photos or PDF's. This is the safest and quickest way. You can also have documents scanned and sent to us at any of our Information Offices, please check their opening times as they may have changed due to the pandemic.
Once I have completed the online application form in full and submitted it, what will happen next?
Once you have submitted your application, it can take up to twelve weeks for it to be assessed. Your form will be passed to a member of the Lewisham FindYourHome Team who will review the information you have provided.
You may be asked for supporting information before a decision can be made on your eligibility to the register. When a decision has been made, you will be sent an email or letter which will explain your banding, bedroom need and which Local Authorities you have a confirmed Local Connection to. This process can take up to 12 weeks.
Once all proof documents have been received to verify your application, your application will be assessed in line with the New Allocation Policy and it you are eligible then you will be placed into Band 1, 2, 3 or 4. You will then be emailed advising you of your assessment in line with the policy.
We will then be emailed advicing you of your assessment in line with the policy.
Supporting information
You will be expected to provide supporting information when you submit your application. The online application form will tell you what you need to upload or send to us. If you do not send the information we ask for, your application will not be accepted and you will not be able to 'bid' for housing.
Documentation required to support your application
You may need to provide us with the following documentation to complete your application.
You can either send copies.
For all new applications, we will only assess your application once all documents are received and this date will be used as your application date if you are eligible to join. You have 28 days from completing this application to provide all required proof documents, or your application will be cancelled.
Proof of identity (for all household members).
- Passport or
- Birth certificate or
- Driving licence
- Full birth certificate for all children
If your name has changed since birth we will need to see the deed poll change of name.
Proof of eligibility (For all household members who are not British citizens ONLY).
- Passport or
- Proof of immigration status (i.e. indefinite leave to remain/recourse to public funds)
- For European workers - proof of employment (contract, payslips)
- Workers registration documents (A10 countries)
Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
- We do not require proof of pregnancy, however, once the baby is born please submit a copy of their birth certificate with a copy of the Child Benefit award letter/Universal Credit amended award
Proof of responsibility for children who will be housed with you
- Child Benefit and
- Residence order or other supporting documentation to confirm long term guardianship (if the parent or guardian is not on full birth certificate)
Proof of current residence (for all adult household members)
- Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
- Tenancy or licence agreement
- Council Tax bill
- Benefit letter (from DWP confirming proof of benefit)
- If living with friends/ family or a hostel - a letter from them confirming your living arrangements
- Copy of last mortgage statement or a valuation of property
- If living in a caravan a copy of your site agreement or letter from owner confirming living arrangements
Employment (for all applicable household members)
- Contract of employment or employer’s letter on headed paper, stating your employment location, start date and or
- payslips
- Self Employment Contract, stating your employment location, start date and, tax returns for previous three years
Proof of income (for all applicable household members)
- Pay slips for all adults in the household for the past three months / 12 weeks
- Proof of benefit entitlement letter such as Universal credit, Child benefit etc. showing breakdown of elements.
- Pension award letter / annual statements
- Bank statements for all accounts held for the past three months
Proof of ownership, past and present, of a property (If applicable)
- Mortgage statement
- 2 valuations
- Sale completion certificate
Proof of Employment
- The proof must cover the relevant period of 2/5/10 years.
- A copy of your contract with your employment start date, full name and base of work, payslips throughout the 2/5/10 year period and your latest pay slip to confirm that you are still in employment there.
- A letter from your employer on headed paper/email to us detailing your employment start date, full name, job title and base of work
Help with your application
If you need help with your housing application or if you are not able to use the online form for whatever reason, please contact your local authority for more advice.
What to do if you are not happy with a decision
You can ask us to review our decision if:
· we haven’t accepted your application to be on the housing register.
· you think we have made the wrong decision about your priority banding.
The review request must be made in writing and should explain the reasons why you disagree with our decision. If you wish you can provide evidence to support your review request. Review requests should be sent by email to housingregisterappeals@lewisham.gov.uk. We will send you an appeal form, which you must return within 21 days. We will try to respond to you within 56 days.
Which properties to bid for
You will be informed of your bedroom entitlement through the waiting list when your application is accepted to the housing register. This is normally determined by how many people are in your household, the age of any children. When you log in to your account, you will be able to see the properties you are eligible to bid for. When choosing a property to bid for, you need to consider a number of things:
Is there an age or other restriction on the property?
Some properties have a minimum age requirement, for example, in some cases only people over 60 can apply. In Rural Parish Connection areas, you will be required a connection to the parish in line with the Allocations Policy. If there are any restrictions apply these will be shown on the adverts.
Will I get a property in the area I want?
We encourage you to bid for any area in which you are interested.
Can I afford the rent?
It's important to make sure that you can afford the rent and all other bills for any property that you bid for. Information about the level of housing benefit can be found on Valuation Office.
Pets
Some landlords will not allow you to keep pets. Some landlords will allow one pet with permission. You may want to consider waiting to get a pet until you are settled in accommodation and have obtained written permission. If you already have a pet, you should always check with the landlord before bidding and consider that pets may restrict the likelihood of being offered accommodation where pets are not allowed.
Before you bid
Please ensure that you are interested in the property.