Applying for the housing register

Urgent housing register request

If you believe that your housing need is urgent please submit an urgent housing register request.

Frequently asked questions about the changes to the Housing Register - applicable from 19 March 2025

What changes are being made to the Housing Register?

We are currently updating our Housing Register application form to make the application process simpler and more efficient. When the new register is opened, you will be able to apply online and set up an online portal to send and receive communication in relation to your application to join the Housing Register.

What else has changed?

Re-registration requirements
Applicants will be required to register to confirm that their details remain accurate once a year. This will help to ensure that customers are matched to properties that meet their needs, especially if their situation has changed since they joined the register. An annual reminder will be sent to applicants through the online portal.

When can I apply to join the Housing Register?

When the Housing Register is re-opened, we will notify residents to let them know that they are able to make an application. We cannot provide any dates at this time, but the move to the new system is due to be completed in May.

A very small proportion of applicants may have an urgent need to move because of disability, medical, or welfare grounds. This includes people living in conditions which pose an imminent, unavoidable risk of serious physical or mental harm, and for whom other housing options are not reasonably available.

If you feel you meet this need then please complete the online e-form on the website. You can upload evidence to support your case. If you do not provide enough information to allow us to understand the urgency of your situation, your application may be refused until the Housing Register is re-opened.

How long will it be before I know that my application is accepted?

We will aim to notify you as soon as possible if your application has been accepted. If we are able to accept your application, you will be issued with an application number to access your Homemove account.

What happens if my application is refused?

If you do not meet the urgent criteria to join the waiting list whilst it is closed, we will notify you in writing or via email.

If your application is not accepted and you are in housing need as per the Housing Allocations Scheme, you will be eligible to keep the qualifying date that you would have been awarded when you reapply to the Housing Register once it re-opens.

When the Housing Register reopens, you will need to reapply and provide the letter or email we sent you advising that your original application did not meet the urgent criteria. You will then be notified in writing of your qualifying date. Please note that if you are not in housing need when you reapply your application will not be accepted.

How does it affect my current application?

If you applied before 19 March 2025, your application will be processed as normal and you will be notified of the outcome of the assessment of your application. If you already have an active Homemove application, you will be able to continue to place bids as normal. You are still required to update your application if there is a change in your circumstances or contact details.

Why are you changing to a new system?

The new system, which is being introduced as part of service development improvements and in direct response to customer feedback, will make the process of applying to join the housing register simpler.

It will also mean that residents on our housing register will be able to 'bid' for available properties that meet their needs much more frequently. This will increase the opportunity for people to find a suitable home.

The change will also make our system easier for people who need to contact us to seek housing advice, if they have a housing problem, such as being homeless.

In addition, the new system will enable us to ensure that people's details and requirements are kept up-to-date, ensuring that customers are matched with a suitable property that meets their housing needs, especially if their situation has changed since they joined the register. It will also help us ensure that households with the highest level of housing need are prioritised.

Who can apply

You can apply to join the housing register if you:

have a right to live in the UK
are aged 18 years or over
have a housing need listed in our allocations policy
have lived in the district for 2 consecutive years

There are some exceptions to these rules. You can find full information on who can apply in our Housing Allocation Scheme.

How to apply

We work with housing associations across the district to make a combined housing register, so you only need to make one application.

We may contact you for extra information after you've sent your application. We can't accept your application until we've received all the information we ask for.

If you need help with your application or can't apply online, contact us.

Change of circumstances

If you're already on the housing register and want to make a change to your details or an application you've made, you can log in to Homemove (opens new window) and choose the 'submit a change of circumstances' option.