How we let our homes
Here’s a brief guide to how we allocate and let our rented homes, so you know what to expect.
Our promise to you
We’re committed to fairness and transparency when allocating homes to both new and existing tenants. We work closely with local Councils and other agencies to meet housing needs and build supportive communities. As part of our commitment to supporting the Jewish community, we prioritise applicants from this community due to the unique housing challenges they often face.
Who can apply?
- Through Your Local Authority: We work with Councils to offer homes to those on their waiting lists. Councils will nominate applicants based on local housing needs.
- Internal Transfers: If you already live in an IDS home and need to move, you can join our internal transfer list.
- Direct Applications: If you are not already an IDS tenant, you can apply directly to us for housing. We accept applications from Jewish charities and agencies, too.
Types of homes we offer
General needs housing:
For individuals, families, and those referred by Councils or agencies.
Sheltered accommodation:
We have seven sheltered housing blocks for residents over 60, four of which are exclusively for the Jewish community.
Adapted homes:
We also offer homes with adaptations for those with specific needs.
Property eligibility
We match property size to household needs to prevent overcrowding and under-occupation.
For example, a couple with two children of different genders will typically qualify for a three-bedroom home.
How can I move home?
Existing residents who need to move will be prioritised based on the length of time they’ve been on the transfer list. We actively help residents who need a different-sized home, offering support and incentives for moving. If you’re at risk (e.g., domestic violence or hate crime), we may move you to another home for your safety. See our full moving home guide here.
Here are a few ways you can move home:
Transfers
We operate a transfer system which means that you can apply to move to another IDS rented property that meets your household needs. We have tried to make our transfer system as simple and transparent as possible and so all our residents are eligible to apply, and we operate a ‘first come, first served’ waiting list. This means your place on the waiting list is determined by the date that you joined the list. This is the only criteria used and is only superseded by emergency moves.
Please note you may not be eligible to move home if you are in rent arrears, or have been responsible for causing anti-social behaviour issues.
We must point out that moving home in this way can take some considerable time, as we only have a small number of empty properties each year that we can let to our residents, and demand is very high.
Mutual Exchange
An easier way to move home is to find someone to swap homes with, known as a Mutual Exchange. To help you do this we are signed up to Home Swapper, which is a national database of social housing residents wishing to exchange their home. We will approve your registration and pay the fee for you to join.
For more information about Mutual Exchanges please see our helpful factsheet or download our Mutual Exchange policy
You can also register directly on the Home Swapper website here.
If you need any help or assistance in getting set up on Home Swapper, please let your estate manager know and we will gladly help.
Sheltered housing
We have a number of sheltered schemes designed to meet the needs of elderly people. We currently accept direct applications for these schemes. Apply here or you can telephone the office on 020 8800 9606.
Decants
Sometimes, necessary repairs, redevelopment, or safety concerns mean you may need to leave your home. This process is called a decant.
What tenancy will we offer you
- New IDS tenants usually start with a 12-month probationary tenancy (also known as a Starter Tenancy). After that, you may move to an assured tenancy if there are no serious issues.
- Assured Tenancies provide more long-term security after the successful completion of a starter tenancy.
- Existing IDS tenants who move home will keep the same type of tenancy except in exceptional circumstances.
Need help or more Info?
If you have any questions about our allocations or lettings service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Housing team. We are here to help.