There are a range of different housing options available, depending upon your circumstances, to assist you in your search for accommodation within the local area.
As Stratford on Avon District Council do not currently own any stock of housing and with the demands for social housing ever increasing, not everyone will be successful in applying for this.
For all housing options, we recommend that you review your entitlement to any Benefit & Support, checking the Local Housing Rates and complete an income & expenditure tool to help you budget and manage your finances, to ensure accommodation is affordable.
Not sure what your current tenancy status or occupation rights are? Take the Shelter Tenancy Checker quiz.
If you are unable to stay where you are, we recommend you consider the following housing options.
Private Rentals & Houses in Multiple Occupation
Private rentals offer a wide range of self-contained accommodation, often in areas that councils and housing associations cannot.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are properties occupied by three or more people, in two or more households, who share facilities. This includes bedsits, shared houses and some self-contained flats.
To source private rented, please look on the following websites:
Social Housing
With social housing (renting from a council or housing association) you tend to have more security of tenure and guarantees of service such as repairs. Rents are generally lower than if you rent privately, but this gap is narrowing. Demand for social housing can be high however, so if you are not in urgent housing need, you may struggle to find a home in the area you want.
For More information on the social housing register, please visit Home Choice Plus.
Social Housing is split between, general needs tenancies, Independent living schemes, Extra Care Housing & Shared Ownership.
Transfers & Mutual Exchanges
A tenancy transfer or mutual exchange is when you swap your home legally with another council or housing association tenant. It is often called a mutual exchange. For more information visit the Shelter Website.
You typically need to:
- find someone to swap homes with
- get written permission from your landlords
- complete the legal paperwork
Tied Accommodation
Tied accommodation means you live in accommodation that your employer provides. You might pay rent or your employer might take it out of your wages before you get paid.
Supported Accommodation
Supported Accommodation availability is very limited in South Warwickshire. This type of accommodation is available for various ages, and provide floating support & supported accommodation. This accommodation is available on varying licenses and is typically funded by housing benefit.
Living with family & friends
Whilst we appreciate not all circumstances will allow you to stay with family & friends. If possible, this option allows you a safe & supportive environment for you to live, whilst you continue to explore your housing options and save towards obtaining your own accommodation.
You can sometimes get help if you pay rent to friends or some relatives. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) might check with your relative that you pay rent. You cannot get this help if you pay rent to a very close relative such as your parent, brother or sister. Find out more about claiming benefits if you rent from family.
Short term accommodation: Safe accommodation, Hostels & Night Shelters
Stratford on Avon does not currently have any hostels or night shelters within the district. However there are the following services in the surrounding areas:
Home Ownership
Shared ownership schemes are usually run by housing associations. There are some private schemes. Shared owners buy a share in their homes and pay rent for the rest. You usually start by buying 10% to 25% of the property. You may be able to buy more shares over time.
For more information on owing one of these please visit the Shelter website.
For an accessible easy guide to the Warwickshire Housing Options please visit: Document - Warwickshire%20Housing%20options%20guide.pdf
