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Housing Register
Housing Register
Join the housing register
The housing register is a list of households waiting for an allocation of social housing.
We do not own any properties, therefore social housing is provided by Registered Providers (more commonly referred to as housing associations).
You can apply to join the housing register online through Kent Homechoice
You may be able to join the housing register if you qualify and have a housing need listed in our allocations policy
To qualify you need to:
- have lived in Swale for the last 2 years, although there are exemptions including if you’re employed in Swale, a care leaver, need to move due to domestic abuse or a member of the Armed Forces
- not have any rent arrears, although we maybe able to consider your application if you have an acceptable repayment plan
- have a household income of less than £30,000 for a 1 bedroom need, £40,000 for a 2 bedroom need, £50,000 for a 3 bedroom need and £60,000 for a 4 bedroom need or more
- have savings or capital of less than £50,000
- not have any unspent fraud convictions
You must also have a housing need under our allocations policy, which includes:
- Overcrowded and needing at least one more bedroom.
- The need to move due to medical reasons or for welfare reasons.
- Homeless duty accepted by Swale Borough Council
More detailed information on qualification and housing need can be found in our allocations policy.
Joining the housing register doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a home.
If you qualify for the register, you’ll be placed in the priority housing band which matches your housing need. This is based on your current circumstances. Your banding will not increase just because of the length of time you have been waiting. You banding may change following a change in circumstances if your new circumstances meet the requirements of a different band. Your banding may go up or down following the change. If your banding increases the priority date will be the date of the change rather than the date you applied.
Once you’ve submitted your application you may be asked to provide further information, including proof of:
- ID, for example driving licence or birth certificate
- income and address
- medical information
Once we have received all the relevant information, the wait time for your application to be assessed is approximately 6 weeks. If you do not provide all of the documents requested then your application will be closed.
Our allocations policy does not allow us to prioritise households who are under a threat of homelessness. If you are under a threat of homelessness the housing register will not be able to assist you in the time available and you need to work with our Housing Options Team.
If you think you’re are going to be homeless, please visit the Kent Homechoice website and complete an enquiry form and you will be contacted by our Housing Options Team.
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