Social housing

What is social housing?

Social housing has rents similar to or just below Local Housing Allowance rates. The properties are owned by Housing Associations.

Initially tenants have an Assured Short-hold Tenancy which can become a more secure tenure if the tenant continues to have good behaviour.

How does the application process work?

Social housing is not directly allocated to applicants.

You must register and bid for the properties advertised each week via the Choice Based Lettings scheme.

Access to Social Housing is via the Housing Register, and applicants are prioritised on the register according to the Council’s Allocations Policy.

Properties are generally allocated to the applicant who:

  • Bid on the property
  • Has been on the register for the longest period
  • Is in the greatest housing need.

Prioritising applications

Sometimes properties are allocated based on factors other than need or the length of time the applicant has been waiting.

Waiting the longest - Open Door Properties

Properties advertised as “Open Door” will be allocated to the applicant who has bid on the property and has been on the register for the longest period; irrespective of housing need.

In work or training - WorkingXtra

Properties advertised as “WorkingXtra” will only be allocated to applicants who are in employment, training or volunteering.

If you register on the Housing Register and meet the WorkingXtra criteria you can be given higher priority for housing.

To be eligible, in the last 6 months you must have been doing any of the following:

  • Working 16 hours a week or more
  • Volunteering for at least 4 hours a week
  • Work-related training
  • Caring for household members

Property sizes

There are rules about the size of the homes you can rent.

Apply for social housing

You must register your interest in social housing with First Choice Homes.