Who qualifies for the Right to Buy scheme

To qualify for the Right to Buy scheme you must have been a secure tenant for at least two years.

If you are a secure tenant and your tenancy began before 18 January 2005 you are eligible for the Right to Buy scheme when you have been a secure tenant for a consecutive period of two years or more.

If you became a secure tenant after 18 January 2005 you will be eligible for the Right to Buy scheme when you have had a secured tenancy for a consecutive period of five years or more.

The two years or more do not have to be in a Lambeth Council home. They can be with another council or with other public sector landlords.

You do not qualify for the Right to Buy scheme if you:

• live in sheltered housing for the elderly, the disabled or people with mental health problems
• live in a property that is particularly suitable for the elderly and was let to be lived in by someone aged 60 or more
• work for Lambeth Council and your home is part of your conditions of service (this only applies in some cases)
• are an introductory tenant.
  

Right to Buy and rent arrears

If you owe rent on the property you want to buy, you must pay all the rent you owe four weeks before the property is sold to you.

If we hold a suspended or outright possession order against you, and you have not kept to the order, we will not accept your application to buy your home.