If you need a long-term housing option, you can apply for social housing.
Social housing is provided by housing associations and is usually rented at a lower cost than private housing. This includes:
- social rent, which is typically lower than market rent
- affordable rent, which is usually up to 80% of local market rent
Housing associations
Social housing is provided by a number of housing associations.
Most of these organisations advertise properties through the Cumbria Choice housing register.
Housing associations include:
- Castles & Coasts Housing Association
- Eden Housing Association
- Home Group
- Keswick Community Housing Trust
- Riverside
- Westfield Housing Association
Apply through Cumbria Choice
To apply, you need to:
- register with Cumbria Choice
- provide information about your household and housing needs
- complete an application for assessment
Once registered, you can express your interest for available properties.
Not all housing associations advertise homes through Cumbria Choice. You may need to contact some providers directly.
How applications are assessed
Applications are assessed based on your housing need.
You will be placed into a priority band depending on your circumstances. This helps decide who is offered available homes.
Local connection rules
Some properties have additional criteria based on the area they are in.
This means you may need to show a local connection, such as living, working or having close family in the area, to be considered for certain homes.
These rules are used to help make sure local people can access housing in areas with high demand.
If you are homeless or at risk
If you are homeless or at risk of losing your home, contact us as soon as possible.
Contact us if you might become homeless.
Other housing options
You may need to consider other housing options alongside social housing. This could include:
- private rented accommodation
- supported housing
These options may be more suitable depending on your circumstances.