Housing and homelessness

Information about housing allocation, emergency and temporary accommodation and housing advice

Popular pages

Council and social housing

As of 1 September 2026, Homes in Somerset now look after around 10,000 council houses on the council's behalf

Homelessness and prevention

Advice and guidance to help those facing homelessness

In this section

Affordable housing in Somerset

Information on affordable housing development and availability in Somerset

Find a Home

Includes Homefinder and other housing options

Private Sector Housing

Includes information on housing standards, living conditions and making a complaint.

Pages in Find a Home

Homefinder Somerset

Homefinder Somerset is a choice-based lettings scheme for people to apply for social housing in Somerset

Housing options for older people

There are lots of housing options available for older people depending on your circumstances.

Tenancy exchanges and mutual exchanges

A tenancy exchange is when you swap your home legally with another council or housing association tenant. It is often called a mutual exchange.

KeyRing Lettings

KeyRing Lettings offer a free, no obligation, rental appraisal and property advice session

Find a home to rent with a private landlord

How to find a home to rent with a private landlord, why this may be the best option for you, and how we can help

Pages in Private Sector Housing

Housing standards

The Private Sector Housing team is here to ensure that the residents of Somerset live in homes that are safe, healthy and appropriate for their needs.

Rent arrears

Take action to deal with rent arrears. You could be evicted if you don't

Tenant deposits

If you are about to or already privately rent from a landlord from 6 April 2007 onwards, your deposit must be put into a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme.

Electrical safety

Electrical safety regulations for landlords

Renters’ Rights Act 2025

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is a significant legislative change aimed at improving the rights of private renters in the UK

Complain about housing conditions

If you live in rented accommodation and are experiencing problems with the condition of your property, you may wish to make a complaint

Damp and Mould

Poor heating, insulation and ventilation can increase condensation, a common cause of damp and black mould in the home

House in Multiple Occupation Standards and Regulations

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by three or more people from more than one household

Houses in multiple occupation licensing

Licensing to make sure that the highest risk properties in the private rental market are identified, meet legal standards and are properly managed

Overcrowding standards for rented homes

Find out about the government standard on overcrowding

Housing immigration

Sponsors for someone who is making an immigration application to come to the UK need to provide proof that the accommodation is of a suitable standard