Council housing
Local district and borough councils allocate council housing. There are long waiting lists and it is allocated to those who are most in need.
Your local council will:
- provide a housing application form
- assess if you are eligible for social housing
- prioritise those in need
- tell you what priority you have for housing
If you are eligible for social housing and accepted onto the housing register, you will be referred to a letting scheme which each district and borough council uses to advertise vacancies for social and affordable housing.
Housing associations
Housing associations are the main providers of not-for-profit housing in England. They are also known as registered social landlords.
Because they do not make a profit, any money they make goes towards improving existing homes or building new ones. Renting accommodation through a housing association is often cheaper than renting privately.
Find out how to rent a housing association home, the types of property available and how housing is allocated:
Housing associations in East Sussex
Swap your council or housing association home
You may be able to swap your home with another tenant. Whether you are allowed to do this will depend on your local district or borough council, or housing association.
Buying your council or housing association home
Right to Buy - council properties
Right to Buy allows secure council tenants to buy their home at a reduced price or market value, depending how long they have been a tenant.
To find out if there is a ‘Right to Buy’ scheme in your area, contact your district or borough council or visit their website.
Eastbourne and Lewes councils - Right to Buy
Wealden District Council - Right to Buy
Hastings - no housing stock
Rother - no housing stock
Right to Acquire - housing associations
You might be able to buy your rented housing association home at a discount through the 'Right to Acquire scheme'.