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General information and advice

All Town Hall reception services are now available online or by telephone 01277 312500 only. You should not visit the Town Hall unless you have a pre-arranged appointment.

Allocation of social housing

Applicants will be notified by the Housing Options Team if they have been successful for an offer of pre-allocation of accommodation.

If you have received an offer of a Housing Association property, contact them directly. For updates on your housing register application, visit your HomeOption portal.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Brentwood is very expensive, if you can't afford to rent or buy locally you may need to also consider widening your area search.

In some circumstances, we may be able to help with the Rent Deposit Scheme if you're a qualifying household, usually if you're threatened with homelessness, are eligible, have a priority need, are not intentionally homeless and have a local connection. If you meet the criteria, we can consider providing you with financial help to find suitable and affordable accommodation outside of the Borough if you're unable to find accommodation in Brentwood.

There are some occasions that you may feel you have to move due to additional support needs, but there are options available that may mean you can stay in your own home.

Helpful information

Help to buy

Visit Help to Buy if you want to buy your own home but can't afford it.

Join the housing register

Join the register for a Council or Housing Association home if you can't afford to rent locally. Due to significant demand it's very unlikely this will be an immediate solution. If you need Housing advice or help you can complete the Housing Advice Request form. To find out about eligibility criteria, view our Allocations Policy (PDF).

Express an interest

Express interest for vacant homes through HomeOption, once you have joined the Housing Register. Alternatively, if you are a Brentwood Borough Council tenant (or were nominated by BBC into a Housing Association property) then you can join the Transfer List.

Sheltered accommodation

Sheltered Housing is available for people who want to continue to live independently but have the benefit of additional support it you need it or if your needs change. Usually for those over 55 but also for people who are younger but need additional security or support to enable independent living. For more information, visit Sheltered accommodation.

Mutual exhange

Existing tenants can swap through a mutual exchange.

Downsizing

If you're a secure or fixed term tenant of the Council who is currently under-occupying your home, you may benefit from downsizing and be eligible for the downsizing payment. Find out more by visiting Downsizing.

Homelessness

Find out more if you're likely to become homeless.

Floating support

If you would like to stay in your own home but need additional support to enable this, floating Support can provide help to ensure tenancy sustainment, budgeting management, signposting to other support agencies, Mental Health services, voluntary work and more.

If you have recently moved into Brentwood or changed your address, complete the online form which will allow you to tell different areas in the Council.

Any new or transferring tenant whose Tenancy commenced on or after the 18 July 2016 is required to pay one weeks rent charge upfront before they receive the keys to their new home.