Housing and homelessness

Includes paying your rent, repairs, housing allocation, emergency and temporary accommodation and housing advice

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Council and social housing

We are a social housing landlord, providing advice and information to our tenants for council housing.

Homelessness and prevention

Advice and guidance to help those facing homelessness

In this section

Find a Home

Includes affordable housing and other housing options

Private Sector Housing

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

Somerset Energy Saver

Home energy advice and assistance.

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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

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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.

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

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

Affordable housing in Somerset

Information on affordable housing development and availability in Somerset

Somerset Independence Plus

Somerset Independence Plus is a Home Improvement Agency service provided by Somerset Council.

Housing grants and loans

Information on the financial support available

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Stairlifts

Stairlift loans are available to help you be independent in your home

Retrofit and energy efficiency

Improvements to your home can help to make it more energy efficient

Hoarding

Supportive guidance to reduce the level of clutter in your property

Dealing with home hazards

Tips for reducing home hazards, to ensure a safe and healthy living environment

Our Partnerships

Explore our partnerships with key agencies to support Somerset’s community services

Statistics

Records of the help we have provided people

Home maintenance

Guide for minor repairs, eligibility criteria, and referral process to ensure your home’s safety and comfort

Safe, Warm and Secure

Assistance with essential home repairs up to a maximum of £15,000

Home safety

We can identify home hazards and assist with resolving safety issues

Somerset Independence Plus

Somerset Independence Plus is a Home Improvement Agency service provided by Somerset Council.

Housing rent and finance

Manage your finances to stay in your home.

Housing Services

Information about our services, including energy, and telling us about housing matters like empty homes

Asylum and immigration

Information for people settling in Somerset

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Rent arrears

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

Mortgage difficulties

Getting the right help if you fall behind on your mortgage is really important

First time buyer loan – Hinkley Housing Zone

Local residents could get financial assistance with purchasing their first home

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.

Pay your rent or service charge

You can pay your rent or services charges in a variety of different ways

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Empty Homes

Somerset Council is committed to helping residents to bring empty homes back into use.

I have moved house

If you have moved house into or within Somerset, please let us know.

Help to live independently

We provide a range of services to help our residents live safely and independently in their homes.

Housing Strategies and Policies

Strategies and policies relating to the provision of suitable housing and related support

Energy efficiency at home

Home energy advice and assistance.

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Welcoming displaced people in Somerset

Support, services and community initiatives available to welcome and assist displaced people, including refugees and asylum seekers, in Somerset

Understanding asylum support in Somerset

Information to help separate myths from facts on what is happening in Somerset

Refugee resettlement pathways in Somerset

How Somerset supports refugees through UK and Afghan resettlement schemes, helping families rebuild their lives in safety

Homes for Ukraine – Information for Ukrainian guests

Support and guidance and what to expect when you arrive in Somerset

Homes for Ukraine – Information for sponsors

Information on the scheme, how to register your interest and how you can support your guests

Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

Apply to extend your stay in the UK for a further 18 months after your Homes for Ukraine, or other valid Ukrainian visa expires

Home Office accommodation for people seeking asylum

Information about people seeking asylum in Somerset