Moves and transfers for social housing tenants
Due to an IT issue, our housing complaints email address isn't working. We're expecting to have it back up and running by the end of the week.
If you need to raise a housing complaint in the meantime, please use our housing complaints form.
Rent and service charge balancesIf you have made a payment since Saturday 6 December it may not show up correctly on your account on the Portal or the balance check by text.
Please bear with us while we fix this technical issue, and contact us by email if you need an accurate statement of your account:
- Rent: lh-rent@lewisham.gov.uk
- Temporary accommodation rent: TAincome@lewisham.gov.uk
- Service charges: hos@lewisham.gov.uk
If you are a social housing tenant looking to move, several schemes may be available to assist you.
Downsize
If you have more bedrooms than you need, you may be eligible for help in finding a smaller, more manageable home. Your old home can then be given to a family in need of extra space. Assistance may include removal costs, as well as support for expenses like a cooker, washing machine, landline, and post redirection. Contact Trading Places for more details.
Move to another borough
If you want to move to another part of the UK, you may be eligible for the Homefinders UK scheme.
If you are a victim/survivor of domestic abuse or a former rough sleeper, you may be eligible for the Housing Moves scheme to move to a different area of London.
Retire to the seaside or countryside
If you are over 55, the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme can help Londoners move into bungalows and flats outside of London.
Mutual exchange
Most council tenants have the right to exchange properties with other tenants of councils or housing associations, provided both landlords give written consent. Secure tenants can swap homes locally or across the country.
To explore available options, register with House Exchange or HomeSwapper. Once you find a match, apply through the online housing services portal.
Get help moving into private renting
If you're considering private renting, financial support of up to £2,650 may be available through the Fresh Start Scheme to help cover:
- First month’s rent
- Deposit
- Moving costs
Buy your council home
Under the Right to Buy Scheme, eligible tenants may purchase the property they rent from the council or housing association at a discounted price. If interested, contact your housing provider.
Sheltered housing
If you're an older person wanting to live independently but with added security, sheltered housing provides access to a 24-hour alarm service and support staff.