Veterans and families:
your guide to getting help with renting a home in England
If you’re a veteran looking into renting a home in England, whether privately or through social housing, there’s targeted help available.
Here’s a guide on what you need to know.
Time to read:
This guidance is for England. There are separate guides for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Your rights when renting privately in England
You have the same legal protections as any tenant in England, including rights around:
- deposits (for example, deposit protection rules)
- notice and eviction procedures
- property standards (safe, habitable homes)
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, you now have stronger protections. Landlords must have a legal reason to evict you, and rents can usually only be increased once per year.
If you plan to rent privately and use housing benefits or Universal Credit, landlords and agents cannot discriminate against you for receiving benefits. Blanket bans are unlawful.
Getting help with renting privately
Use a mix of public and veteran‑specific routes:
Apply through your local council (remember veterans in England are exempt from local connection tests).
Register with housing associations operating in areas you want to live.
Contact veteran charities for tailored guidance and potential access to veteran‑specific properties.
Ask your council or charities about affordable private rented schemes in your area – some work with landlords to keep rents below market levels.
Organisations that can provide advice about your housing situation
Several organisations can provide help and advice to veterans looking to rent privately in England.
SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity
SSAFA’s advisors can provide impartial, expert support for veterans looking to rent privately. While they cannot give legal advice, they may be able to help access financial assistance where appropriate.
They can:
- connect you to local and specialist organisations
- talk you through your housing situation
- help if you’re struggling to maintain a tenancy
- support access to financial assistance (for example, rent deposits or essential items)
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion provides expert housing advice and guidance for veterans and their families across England.
Their support includes:
- advice on renting, home ownership and homelessness
- guidance on your housing rights and options
- help accessing financial support and grants where eligible
- support navigating housing challenges, including risk of eviction
They offer clear, practical information to help you make informed decisions about your housing situation.
MoD Veterans Services
MoD Veterans Services provide one-to-one support on a range of issues, including housing. They can help you understand what support is available to help with your housing situation and how to access it.
The Veterans’ Nomination Scheme (VNS)
The Veterans’ Nomination Scheme helps veterans access rented social housing, including:
- single people and couples without children (who might otherwise struggle to get priority), and
- service leavers transitioning to civilian life
How to access:
You cannot self‑refer.
You must be referred by a third party – for example, your local council, SSAFA, The Royal British Legion or MoD Veterans Services
The scheme is run by Stoll, which supports veterans into suitable, affordable accommodation.
Tip: When speaking to your council or a veteran charity, ask directly: ‘Can you refer me to the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme?’
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
Renting a home in England: practical tips for veterans
Use deposit support: Ask your council about deposit guarantees or bond schemes for veterans.
Prepare documents: Photo ID, proof of income or benefits, references (a charity support worker can sometimes provide one).
Know your rights: If a landlord or agent says ‘no benefits’, challenge it – or ask a charity or advice service to help you challenge it on your behalf.
Veterans and social housing in England
Local councils often include those who have served on their social housing priority lists, particularly if you left service recently, have an urgent housing need or have a significant injury caused or made worse by your armed forces service.
In England, veterans are exempt from the usual ‘local connection’ test for social housing applications. This means you can apply to any council in the country, not just where you’ve lived before.
Priority doesn’t guarantee an offer, but it improves your chances, especially if you meet the council’s preference criteria and have an urgent need.
Veteran-specific housing in England
Veterans can access specialist support through:
- referrals through councils or charities
- supported housing for those transitioning from service or in crisis
- partnerships between housing providers and armed forces charities
Tip – Ask: “Are there any veteran-specific housing options or referrals available to me?”
Veteran-specific housing providers in England
Veteran-specific housing in England includes:
- supported accommodation for those experiencing difficulties
- general housing providers
- housing for disabled veterans
Supported accommodation
Alabaré (Homes for Veterans)
Alabaré provides supported accommodation for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Their homes offer safe, stable housing alongside tailored support to help you rebuild independence. This can include help with:
- accessing healthcare and mental health support
- developing life skills and routines
- finding training, education or employment
- moving on to long-term independent housing
Accommodation is typically shared, with support staff available to work with you on your individual plan and goals.
Riverside (Veterans services)
Riverside provides supported housing across England for veterans facing homelessness.
They combine accommodation with wraparound support to help veterans rebuild independence and move into permanent housing.
They also operate the Op FORTITUDE pathway, designed to help individuals veterans facing homelessness into veteran-specific supported housing.
General housing
Haig Housing Trust
Haig Housing Trust provides affordable, rented housing for veterans and their families in England.
They offer secure homes to help veterans live independently, particularly those who may be facing housing difficulties or need long‑term stability.
Haig works with local authorities and support organisations to help veterans find and sustain suitable accommodation.
Housing for disabled veterans
Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE)
RBVE provides housing and long-term support for veterans, with a strong focus on those living with disabilities, injuries or complex needs.
At the heart of their offer is a specialist village community in Kent, where veterans can access:
- adapted and supported housing, including accommodation for those with physical disabilities
- step-by-step support, from emergency housing through to independent living
- permanent supported living for veterans aged 55 and over who need additional care
- on-site facilities, including an accessible gym, café and learning spaces to support wellbeing and independence
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
Quick checklist
Tell your local council you’re a veteran and ask about deposit schemes and social housing.
Register with housing associations in areas where you want to live.
Contact veteran charities for tailored rental support.
Ask a referrer (council or charity) about the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme run by Stoll.
If renting privately, remember: blanket ‘no benefits’ bans are unlawful – don’t self‑exclude.
You don’t have to navigate renting alone
Whether you’re coming out of service or have been a civilian for years, there’s a path to safe, affordable renting and people ready to help you find it.
Reach out early, mention your veteran status and make use of the schemes designed with you in mind.