How do I join the housing register?

What you need

It helps to have these ready before you apply:

• proof of identity for everyone who will live with you
• proof of your address now, such as a tenancy agreement or bill
• details of your income, savings and any benefits
• proof of any housing problems, such as an eviction notice, photos of disrepair, or letters about overcrowding
• medical letters if your home makes a health condition or disability worse

Each council has its own form and rules, so check its website first.

Steps to join the register

1. Find your council. Use the GOV.UK postcode search to get to your council's housing page.
2. Fill in your council's application. Include everyone who will live with you.
3. Send your proof. Missing documents can slow things down.
4. Get your decision. The council decides if you can join and how much priority you get.
5. Look for homes. Some councils use choice-based lettings. You see homes as they become free and "bid" on ones you want. Bidding is free. It just means saying you are interested.
6. Wait for an offer. The council or housing association contacts you if you are chosen.

How priority works

Councils give points or put you in a band based on how much you need to move. By law in England, they must give reasonable preference to people who:

• are homeless
• live in unsanitary, overcrowded or poor housing
• need to move for medical or welfare reasons, including disability
• need to move to a particular area to avoid hardship

Some armed forces members and veterans with urgent needs can get extra priority.

Time and cost

Councils must give free advice about applying, and free help to anyone likely to find it hard to apply on their own.

Waiting times vary a lot between areas and types of home. Ask your council how long you are likely to wait.

After you apply

• Tell the council if your circumstances change, such as a new baby or a move, as this may affect your priority.
• Offers: you usually only have a short time to accept. If you say no, you can normally stay on the list. If you keep refusing, you may be taken off for a while, but you can appeal.
• Reviews: if you disagree with a decision about your application, you have the right to ask for a review and to be told the reasons.

If you are homeless or about to be, contact your council's homelessness team as well. Joining the register is not the same as getting homeless help.

If you live in Northern Ireland

Apply to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Visit a local office, call 03448 920900, or download a form from its website. One application covers all social landlords in your chosen area. A housing adviser assesses you, then you go on the waiting list. Priority is set by the Housing Selection Scheme.

Related guides

• How do I apply for council housing?
• How do I complain to the Housing Ombudsman?
• What does priority need mean if I am homeless?
• Can I buy my council home?
• What is the bedroom tax?

Where this comes from

• Apply for council housing (GOV.UK)
• Council housing (GOV.UK)
• Housing Act 1996, section 166 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Housing Act 1996, section 166A (legislation.gov.uk)
• Registering for a Housing Executive or housing association property (nidirect)