Housing & Homelessness Advice

On this page you will see the housing options for finding a property in the Tendring area.

Homelessness

If you are homeless or think you may become homeless, you can:

• Read our homelessness pages.
• Talk to a homelessness and advice officer by phone on 01255 686438, 686444, 686445 or 686446 between 8.45am and 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.45pm Friday.
• Make an appointment by calling 01255 686465.
• Email us at housing.services@tendringdc.gov.uk.

If you become homeless outside of normal office hours, or at the weekend, you can contact Tendring Careline on (01255) 222022 for help.

Council housing

To be considered for council housing you must first join our housing register. More information can be found on our register for social housing page.

Due to the high demand for housing in the district most people who apply to the housing register won't be housed quickly and many will not be offered a home at all. Unfortunately, there are just not enough council or housing association properties for everyone.

Housing associations

To be considered for housing association housing (also known as social housing) you will need to join our housing register.  Some housing associations that offer sheltered housing have their own housing registers.

Our list of housing associations shows which associations have properties in the Tendring district. 

Renting from a private landlord

There is more private rented accommodation available locally than council accommodation and if you want to remain in a certain area, you may find more choice and accommodation options available in the private rented sector.

To find properties to rent you can look in local newspapers, adverts in newsagent windows, visit local letting agents and use websites such as Rightmove or Zoopla to search for properties.

A private landlord will normally ask for a deposit. You should always make sure that the condition of the property and any items of furniture are recorded in an inventory and the tenancy agreement states where your deposit is held.

Our private sector housing pages provide information for landlords, owners and tenants including information about illegal eviction, grants and energy efficiency advice.

Renting a room, house share or flat share

This housing option is becoming more popular due to the cost of buying or renting property and the associated costs such as utility bills and council tax.

Generally when renting a room or sharing a house/flat, you would have your own bedroom but would share communal areas, such as the kitchen, lounge and bathroom, with the other people at the property.

There is a useful links area at the top of the page, which may help you find a house share or room to let.

Help with your rent

If you have a low income you may be able to claim Local Housing Allowance (Housing Benefit) to help you pay your rent.