Housing and related support for the Armed Forces community

There are a number of housing options to consider if you are looking for accommodation. Here you can find out about options for finding a home as well as what to do if you are homeless.

Social rented housing

Social housing is very scarce with most councils having long waiting lists. The Armed Forces Covenant means that you will not be disadvantaged by not having a local connection. However, it does not mean that you get put to the top of the list.

Even if you get to the top of the waiting list, it could still be many months or years before you get a house. If you leave Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and are homeless, we have a duty of care to house you. This housing may be in a hostel or B&B, which is not ideal for a family.

Residents of Southampton can apply for council and housing association housing by joining the Housing Register. See find a home.

Serving and former members of the Armed Forces will qualify if they fall within one or more of the statutory reasonable preference categories. More information can be found in the council's housing allocations policy.

Housing associations

The following housing associations also offer housing options specifically for people who served in the Armed Forces:

• Haig Housing
• Stoll
• Agamemnon

Private rented housing

Renting from a private landlord is another option for finding somewhere to live. The Government have produced guidance on how to rent. This covers everything you need to know about renting a home from a private landlord, including what questions to ask, and your rights and responsibilities. See how to rent.

We also advice on renting a safe home.

Affordable home ownership

Affordable home ownership means homes for sale and rent below market levels. These are for eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. The Government runs the following home ownership schemes:

• Affordable home ownership
• Forces Help to Buy

You can read more about what we are doing about affordable housing.

Homelessness

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, we may be able to help. For more information see are you at risk of homelessness?

Op FORTITUDE is a national service offering accommodation placement advice to single personnel discharged from the Armed Forces.

Further help

If you have an enquiry about:

• Your Service Family Accommodation, you can contact Pinnacle
• Forces Help To Buy, you can contact the Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) Helpline on 0800 085 3600 or 0141 224 3600
• Issues with loss of entitlement or notice to vacate Service Family Accommodation, or if you need a reference for housing, contact the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO): DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk

You can also get support from the following organisations:

Furnishings

Military charities, like SSAFA and The Royal British Legion, may be able to assist with furnishings.

Solent Armed Forces Covenant Partnership - Drop-in centres

There are drop in centres across the region offering advice and information to Armed Forces veterans and their families. They provide social support and access to a range of welfare and mental health services.

They are open to former members of the British Armed Forces and Reserves. They are also open to their direct family members, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy.

Southampton

Visit Southampton Veterans Trust.

Isle of Wight

Visit Veterans Outreach Support.

Portsmouth

Visit Veterans Outreach Support.