Join the Housing Register

Any messages sent to you will be available through your 'My account' page.

You will receive a notification email each time you are sent a new message. This notification email will also include details of any actions that may be outstanding on your account.

Any unread messages are clearly identified and can be accessed by selecting the 'Unread messages' tile or the 'Messages' button at the top of the page.

As part of the application process you may be sent actions that you are required to complete. This may include providing documentation to support your application.

Any pending actions are clearly identified and can be accessed by selecting the 'Pending actions' tile or the 'Actions' button at the top of your account page, once you have logged in.

If the action requires you to provide supporting documentation, then there will be an option to upload a file.

If you are using a mobile device with a camera, then the button will allow you to take a picture of any documents that need to be uploaded.

Once the action is completed it will automatically be passed to the back office for review.

You will not be able to bid for properties until your Housing Register application has been approved and made active.

When you log in to your account, your 'My account' page displays the number of suitable properties that you can bid on. These can be viewed by selecting the 'Suitable properties' tile or the 'Properties' button at the top of the page.

For any suitable property, you will see details of the number of people who have already bid on it, and your position on the shortlist should you place a bid, prior to placing bid.

When applying you are told how many bids you will have left and any important information you should be aware of about the property.

If you wish, you can make one current property your 'preferred property'. This does not give you any additional priority, but does allow staff to understand which property you would prefer should you be near the top of multiple shortlists.

Your position on the shortlist is subject to change as more people place and withdraw bids. You can check your current position on a shortlist at any time from your 'My account' page using the 'My bids' tile.

A bid placed on a property currently being advertised can be withdrawn at any time and placed on another property.

Details of previously advertised properties can be viewed along with information related to the successful bidder.

Select the 'Previous properties' button on the 'Home' page or the 'View previous properties' link at the top of the 'Properties' page.

By default, properties most recently advertised are displayed. If you wish to view earlier properties then expand the filters and select the month you wish to view properties from.

The number of applicants for each property is displayed as well as the priority and effective date of the successful applicant.

If you are successful in a bid you place, you will receive an offer letter via your portal. You will also receive an action to complete to confirm if you wish to refuse or accept this offer.

• Current passport or UK birth certificate
• National Insurance number proof, for example: national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
• Proof of current address, for example recent utility bill, recent bank statement, tenancy agreement
• Birth certificates for all children in the household
• Proof of child benefit for all children in the household

• Current passport
• Proof of EU Settled Status or pre-settled status, or your share code, available at View and prove your immigration status
• Proof of current employment or UK Permanent Residence card
• National Insurance number proof, for example, national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
• Proof of school attendance or GP registration for all children in household

• Current passport
• Current Visa and Home Office documents or Biometric ID card
• National Insurance number proof, for example national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
• Proof of current address

• Birth certificates for any children in household
• Proof of child benefit for any children in household

People applying for a council home will be assessed on their level of need rather than the number of points that they have accrued. Applications will be allocated to one of four bands: A, B, C, and D, with A being the highest band.

There are five main changes coming into effect when the Housing Register re-opens:

1. Moving to a banding system

We are moving from a points based system to a banding system.

2. Refusals

Under the new policy applicants will be able to refuse two offers of accommodation without penalty however if a third suitable offer is refused, they will be placed the lowest band (band D) for six months. After this time, as long as their circumstances or household need has not changed, they will be placed back into the band they were previously in. If they then refuse one further offer of suitable accommodation the application will be closed and they will be removed from the waiting list.

3. Bedroom eligibility

We are moving in line with Housing Benefit ruling on bedroom eligibility. More information can be found on our benefit and welfare webpages.

4. Local connection

Changes to residency requirements. Applicants should:

• Currently have lived in city for three years
• Lived in city for three out of five years prior to date of application
• Have permanent paid employment in the city and to have been in employment in the city for a minimum of two years

5. Re-registration requirements

Applicants will be required to register to confirm that their details remain accurate once a year. A reminder will be sent through the online portal.

Due to the limited availability of social housing, waiting times are considerable and, in most cases, it takes years before an offer of accommodation is made. By changing to a banding system, we are aiming to ensure that those with the most acute housing needs are given the greatest opportunity in accessing alternative accommodation.

Due to the lengthy waiting times in accessing social housing you should ensure that you are considering all other housing options available to you.