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4(a). Become a Tenant

The first step is to apply to your local council. It is best to register with your council as early as possible if you need a home.

You can find contact details for your local council's housing department on the DirectGov website.

The system councils use to assess applications for housing is often referred to as the 'allocations scheme' or 'housing register'.  Procedures vary from one area to another, but all councils have to follow certain rules. They must consider every application individually, as long as you have followed the application procedure correctly and applicants do not have to live in the Borough.

Anyone can apply for social rented housing:

• Council tenants
• Housing association tenants
• People on the council transfer list
• People who are homeless
• Owner occupiers
• Living in private rented accommodation

Most housing association tenancies offer the same rights to tenants as assured short hold tenancies and housing association tenants can apply to the Council for housing benefit to help with their rent, in the same way that “private” tenants can.

Direct Applications

We are currently accepting direct applications for housing but we may occasionally close our waiting lists in order to keep waiting times manageable.

Please use the form below to send your request to become a tenant.