Affordable housing: renting

Last Updated: 3 April 2024

Social rented housing

These are homes let by housing associations at a much lower rent than private landlords.

There are around 4,600 rented homes in South Lakeland but only a few hundred vacancies each year.

Affordable rented housing

These are homes that are rented at a higher level than social rents but no more than 80% of local market rents. Also known as intermediate rents, they are managed by housing associations.

How to apply

To apply for either social rented housing or affordable rented housing, you will need to register with Cumbria Choice. This can be done directly with them or by contacting your local housing association.

Contacts for housing associations

Please find a list of housing associations below including organisations which specialise in housing for older people and housing for people with supported needs in South Lakeland.

General needs housing:

• South Lakes Housing: 0300 303 8540
• Castles and Coasts Housing Association: 0800 085 1171
• Riverside: 0345 111 0000
• Home Group: 0345 141 4663
• Eden Housing Association: 01768 861 400

Housing for older people:

• Abbeyfield Societies: 01727 857 536
• Nine Oaks Housing Trust: 015394 444 36
• Kendal Almhouse Charity: 01539 739 590
• Johnnie Johnson Housing Association: 0345 305 5335
• Plumtree Housing Association: 015395 626 61
• South Lakes Housing: 0300 303 8540
• Lake District Housing Association: 015394 430 16
• Gatesbield Quaker Housing Association: 015394 455 78
• The Almhouse Association: 01344 452 922
• Anchor (Cumbria): 0808 252 3038
• Mayor of Kendal's Homes: 01539 724 742
• Riverside: 0345 111 0000

Housing for people with supported needs:

• Fairoak Housing Association: 01539 720 082
• Leonard Cheshire Disability: 01539 739 478
• New Foundations: 01706 835 333