Council and social housing

Get to know your rights

Your landlord must treat you fairly, charge affordable rents and make repairs promptly. They should also have an appropriate complaints policy.

The complaints policy will explain how your landlord should handle your case. If they fail to meet their own policy, and you are not happy with the way your landlord has handled a complaint, then you can refer the issue to the Housing Ombudsman Service.

The Housing Ombudsman has the power to investigate complaints and resolve disputes. It is a free, independent and impartial service that has the power to order your landlord to pay out compensation appropriate. Find more information about the Housing Ombudsman.

If you want to apply to live in a council home, you should check your local council’s website via GOV.UK to find out how this works in your area. Your local council will have its own rules on who can apply and who has priority for homes.

Instead, the Mayor runs two mobility schemes for Londoners – Housing Moves and Seaside and Country Homes.

Find out about the schemes, including information on eligibility and how to apply.