07 September 2008I would like to buy a property but the prices are too expensive in this area
I can't afford my rent or mortgage
I can't find anywhere to live
My home is not suitable for me
Where can I get independent advice
I would like to buy a property but the prices are too expensive in this area
As house prices are high in this area people will often buy a share in a property rather than the whole property. There are several different types of home ownership schemes where clients buy a share of a property. Moat Home Buy is the main contact for the schemes and can be contacted for more details. Some of the schemes are targeted towards people in certain types of employment, please click the following link for the KeyWorker Scheme run by MOAT Housing Group. There are also specific schemes for people to buy a share of a property in a sheltered scheme for older people contact Rockdale Housing Association.
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For further advice, visit the Affordable Homes in Kent website, which is designed to help you to get the information that you need to get yourself onto the property ladder quickly and easily.
I can't afford my rent or mortgage
If you cannot afford your rent or mortgage payments you need to address this problem immediately before you fall into arrears. You may need:
For further details please contact the Social Housing Team or seek independent advice.
If you are on a low income or benefits it can be very difficult to find accommodation we can offer advice on and may be able to assist you through one of the schemes outlined below
The Lodgings Scheme is designed to assist single homeless or potentially homeless people access housing within the District. Lodgings will be a furnished room in a house with shared facilities. Please click the following link to download further information on the Lodgings Scheme (
PDF 1137K file details).
The Council keeps a list of people who would like to take in a lodger and will try to match you to this list.
Landlords will usually expect to receive a deposit and/or rent in advance. The Council are sometimes able to assist with rent in advance and/or a deposit bond to assist you in securing lodgings. If you wish to discuss the scheme please contact the Social Housing Team.
The Private Sector Letting Scheme is designed to assist homeless, or potentially homeless people access housing in the private rented sector by the provision of a Deposit Bond and/or Rent in Advance. Please click the following link to download further information on the Private Sector Lettings Scheme ( PDF 28K file details). If you wish to discuss the scheme please contact the Social Housing Team.
My home is not suitable for me
Your home may not be suitable because it is not in good condition or there is not enough room for your family. The Council, Citizens Advice Bureaux and Shelter can all give advice on disrepair and overcrowding.
If there is a risk to health or safety an inspection would usually be carried out by the Private Sector Housing Team.
If you are living in private rented accommodation and need support, we may be able to direct you to an organisation that can look at your needs and arrange for support to enable you to stay in your home. If you wish to discuss further contact the Social Housing Team.
Where can I get independent advice
You can receive independent advice on housing at local Citizens Advice Bureaux and Shelter.
Shelter is a national organisation working to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people. Shelter can give free, professional, independent advice.
Sevenoaks Shelter Client Advice Line
Call 01732 742339
Swanley Shelter Housing Surgery
Call 01732 742399
Click here to visit the Shelter website for full information about Shelter's activities, with details of local Shelter Housing Aid Centres.
Call 0808 800 4444 (free phone) Shelter's free housing advice helpline (minicom for deaf callers). Open 8am - midnight, 7 days a week.
