Housing policies
For policies related to the services we provide to tenants and leaseholders of properties owned and managed by Lewisham Council, see our Council tenants and leaseholder policy Library.
If you experience difficulty accessing any of the policies listed, or if you require them in an alternative format, please contact us at: housingpolicy@lewisham.gov.uk.
Housing Needs and Temporary Accommodation
Housing Allocation Policy
This policy sets out who is eligible for social housing in Lewisham and the priority they should receive. Eligible applicants are placed on a “Housing Register”, and their priority is determined based on their current housing situation.
TA Protection of Belongings Policy
This policy sets out our approach to the protection of goods and belongings of persons who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, to whom Lewisham Council owes a housing duty. It covers applicants entering temporary accommodation, transferring between existing temporary accommodation and exiting temporary accommodation.
Location Priority Policy
This policy sets out the framework for fair allocation of affordable temporary accommodation within or near the London Borough of Lewisham. It applies to accommodation secured under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and Part III of the Children Act 1989. The policy also identifies the appropriate locations where the Council may discharge its main housing duty under section 193 of the Housing Act 1996 through a Private Rented Sector Offer and explains which households will be prioritised for accommodation within or close to Lewisham.
PRS Discharge Policy
This policy provides a framework for the way in which the Council can discharge the main housing duty under s.193 Housing Act 1996 by arranging an offer of suitable accommodation in the private rented sector. The policy therefore applies to applicants for housing assistance under Part VII Housing Act 1996 and not allocations under Part VI Housing Act 1996.
Private Rented Sector
Private Rented Sector Licensing and Enforcement Policy
This policy details how we will regulate standards in private rented housing and tackle empty homes in Lewisham, including when we take enforcement action if appropriate. This includes requirements for landlords to license their properties, and our powers to take enforcement action against disrepair. This is the central policy for the PRS Enforcement team, and will be updated to reflect changes from the Renters Rights Act as required.
Civil Penalty Notice Policy
This policy regulates the circumstances and process that Lewisham Council follows when imposing financial penalties through Civil Penalty Notices (CPN’s) on Private Sector Landlords.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Policy (PRS)
This policy sets out how the Council will enforce the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. This policy aims to improve the safety of private sector tenants, by ensuring that they have working alarms throughout their tenancy.
Electrical Safety Policy (PRS)
This policy sets out how the Council will exercise our powers under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. These standards apply to all PRS landlords, except landlords who share their home with their tenants.
Grants Policies for Home Adaptations and Improvements
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and Discretionary DFG Policy
This policy details how we provide housing adaptations to respond to the changing needs of residents to enable them to live independently and safely in their own homes and supporting their health and wellbeing. This policy does not apply to council tenants, who can access adaptations through the separate Tenant Aids and Adaptations Policy.
Homeowner Grants Policy
This policy sets out our approach to administering the discretionary grants and loan available to eligible applicants. It also outlines how we will work with private landlords and owners of empty homes to increase the supply of affordable housing, supporting broader efforts to improve access to suitable accommodation across the borough. The eligibility criteria for each grant/loan is provided within the policy.
Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Any resident engaging with Lewisham Council’s housing services can request a reasonable adjustment. This policy sets out how the council handles requests for reasonable adjustments. It defines what a reasonable adjustment is, how residents can request one, what forms these adjustments may take, and the factors considered when assessing them.
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