eligibility

As a Registered Provider, we provide access to quality affordable housing to those who are unable to afford to buy or rent on the open market.

If you are applying for an affordable rent home in London and require additional support, Square Roots will take your needs into account and provide assistance either directly or through partner agencies.

Eligibility criteria may vary between Local Authorities, so we recommend checking the requirements for the area you are interested in. However, the following criteria are provided as general guidance:

Right to rent
You must have the right to rent – this is proven through possession of a British/ EU/EEA Citizenship or a valid UK residency visa.
No bankruptcy
You must have no history of bankruptcy, county court judgements (CCJs) or Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) (at least in the last 6 years).
Adverse rental history
You must have no adverse rental history such as previous rent arrears or damage to property.
Income and affordability
You must be able to meet the minimum income and affordability standards - this differs depending price of the home you are interested in.
Location requirement
You may be required to live or work in the area to which you are applying.
Nominations and partnerships
You may have been nominated for a property through one of our local authorities’ partnerships.

FAQs

  • How do you apply for Affordable rent?

    Most affordable rent homes are advertised through the local authority and you will need to register with their housing department in the area you wish to live. If you successfully secure one of our homes through the local authority, we will get in touch to discuss the onward steps to finalising your new home. 

  • How are affordable rent homes allocated?

    The allocations and lettings policy is used for allocating and letting homes to tenants and managing applications for affordable homes. It sets out:

    • The aims of our approach to allocation and lettings
    • Who we will and will not house
    • Routes by which people can apply for a home
    • Routes by which existing tenants can move to a new affordable home
    • How tenancies and leases will be granted & managed
    • Details of decision makers and how to challenge decisions

    Please speak to us to further details

  • What is Affordable Housing?

    Affordable housing is described in the UK government’s “Definitions of general housing terms” as:

    Housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market (including housing that provides a subsidised route to home ownership and/or is for essential local workers)

  • What is the difference between Affordable Rent, Intermediate Rent, London Living Rent and Social Rent?

    All these schemes are backed by the government.
     
    Homes available through Affordable Rent are let by their relevant local authority or private registered providers to those that are eligible. Affordable rent is no more than 80% of the local market rent, including service charges.
     
    Intermediate Rent is designed to help first time buyers who cannot yet afford to buy a home and want a chance to save for a deposit to purchase within the next five years. The rent charged is about 80% of market rent and is available with the relevant local Help to Buy Agent.
     
    London Living Rent is an intermediate affordable housing product available in London by the Greater London Authority. This is a rent to buy scheme, where you start by renting your property at a reduced rate to enable you to save for home ownership. You have the right to purchase the property within the first 10 years under Shared Ownership. This scheme is available to those with a maximum gross income of £60,000.
     

Our customer  promise

Our customer
promise

Choosing an affordable home shouldn’t mean compromising on how you live. So every Square Roots home is designed with care, combining quality, sustainability and thoughtful detail to support modern London living. 
 
We promise to build homes our customers are proud to live in, maintain high standards across design and build and provide clear, reliable communication to residents. 

Square Roots

Our Developments

Square Roots is dedicated to building and evolving a grater capital for everyone who wants to live and work
in London with premium apartments to buy and rent. 

If you are looking for affordable housing to rent in London amongst great communities and want to save to
buy in the future, then contact us today.  

Hendon NW9


Hendon NW9

Current development

Studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments & duplexes

Kingston KT1


Kingston KT1

Current development

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments

Lewisham SE13


Lewisham SE13

Current development

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments