The number of people who apply for social housing far exceeds the amount of accommodation that becomes available. We try to meet housing need as best we can with the resources; this can mean that there is a long wait before we are able to offer some applicants accommodation and unfortunately, those with a lower priority may never be offered accommodation.
Accommodation is allocated by means of an assessment which is based on housing need. The more flexible you are able to be with your choice of accommodation and the area you are prepared to live in, the easier it is for us to help; this does not guarantee any offer of accommodation.
Who can apply to the housing register?
An application to appear on the Housing Register will be accepted from any person aged 16 or over who is a 'qualifying person'.
The categories noted below do not qualify to appear on the Housing Register and will be excluded or removed:
- People subject to immigration control and people from abroad who do not fall into any of the categories of people who have been made exempt by the Secretary of State.
The person will remain excluded until their immigration status changes. - People who have been evicted from a Registered Social Landlord tenancy
(i.e. with a Council or Housing Association) because of rent arrears or nuisance. - People who have been violent or threatened violence to Council staff.
A person from categories 2 and 3 who is excluded from applying to the Housing may appeal in writing to the Housing Department (see ).
How to apply
Applicants must complete a housing application form. If you would like a form please contact Housing by telephone on 01727 819480 or email housing@stalbans.gov.uk.
It is important to answer all the questions, if you miss anything we may not be able to register your application and/or your points may not be correct. You must answer all questions honestly, if you deliberately give false or misleading information to gain housing, court action may be considered and this could lead to a fine and/or eviction.
Renewals
When your application has been registered, you will be sent a letter every 12 months to remind you to renew your application. On receipt of this letter, you must renew your application within two weeks to remain on the Housing Register, otherwise your application will be cancelled. If you are concerned that you have not received your letter, please contact Rehousing on 01727 866100.
Home owners
People who own (or part-own) a property will not be accepted on to the Housing Register. In certain circumstances, home owners over the age of 55 can apply for Council Retirement Housing. In addition, a home owner may appear on the Housing Register if homeless or threatened with homelessness (Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996). | |
Council and Housing Association Tenants
Council and Housing Association Tenants are not placed on the Housing Register, they can seek rehousing by Mutual Exchange or Transfer.
Housing Association tenants living in shared housing or special schemes will be placed on the Housing Register.
Applicants can register free with Homeswapper, the national mutual exchange service at www.homeswapper.co.uk
Immigration and Asylum Act 1996 - Restrictions
All applicants and people appearing on a Housing Register, such as children or other relatives will be required to present their passport or full birth certificate to the Housing Department as proof of eligibility. Some people who are subject to immigration control do not qualify to appear on the Housing Register.
Changes in circumstances
Please let the Housing Department know if you move or your family size changes. If you have a baby, please send a copy of the full birth certificate to the Housing Department. Only people we are satisfied will form part of your long term and permanent household will qualify to appear on your Housing Register application for housing.
Financial Circumstances
Applicants will need to provide information about their income and savings when the application form is completed.
Date of last review: 06 April 2010