Register for housing: frequently asked questions

You will need an email address to set up an account to apply - this account will then be used to add supporting information at any time or to update your application if your circumstances change. (Further information and support regarding email accounts can be found in the next sections.)

The online application form will ask you a number of questions about your housing need and history. Please ensure before you start that you have the following information:

• your National Insurance number (and for all main and joint applicants); if you do not have this you can contact the National Insurance application line on 0345 600 0643
• your addresses (including postcodes) for the last six years, and the name and contact details for the landlord of the address(es)
• your due date if you are pregnant and proof of pregnancy
• details about your immigration status and proof of your status (if applicable)
• your probation officer's name and address if you have one
• your current landlord's contact details if you have one
• your and any joint applicants earned income
• what benefits you receive, if any
• the names and dates of birth of everyone who currently lives with you, and everyone that will be moving with you and a copy of your children's birth certificates

When you submit your application, you will be asked to provide evidence of some information, this can be a photo of the original:

• proof of identity for the main and joint applicants (passport or driver's licence)
• proof of household income (eight weekly payslips or three monthly payslips)
• bank statements for all accounts held (last three months)
• proof of any savings
• if you have a medical condition that you want us to take into account, we will need to know the name and address of anyone you receive medical assistance from (e.g. GP, hospital consultant) and a copy of your patient summary which you can get from your doctor's surgery; if you have any supporting letters which state the impact of your current housing on your medical condition, please provide a copy of these letters
• proof of immigration status if applicable

You will need to upload the above evidence when you make your application. We cannot assess your application until all supporting documents are received.

Setting up an email address is quick and easy to do. You can find popular providers via an online search.

In the address bar at the top of your internet browser, type the address of the email provider you want to use. Visit their website and select the option to create an account. Once you have completed the process you are ready to go and can use your email to send and receive emails.

Computers are available in the reception area of:

• Greyfriars House
• Gorleston area office
• South Yarmouth area office

Alternatively, computers are available in libraries. The application form is also designed to be completed using a mobile phone or tablet.

If you don't know your password or log in details, you can reset them by visiting the online register (opens new window) and click forgotten password.

• When you submit your new online application, it will be considered against the new Housing Allocations Scheme which means for a small number of applicants that they may no longer be eligible or qualify to join the Housing Register when it goes live on 6 March 2023. If you do qualify, you may have a different priority for housing than you do now. If you are unhappy with a decision made under the new Housing Allocations Scheme, you can request a review of the decision. See page 19 of the policy document available on the Housing allocations scheme 2021 page for more information.
• As long as you submit your new online application by 23:59 on the 3 March 2023, your original date of application will be your Relevant Date. Where on review of your reapplication it is determined you are now entitled to a different level of priority to that currently awarded, the date you submitted your online application will be used as your Relevant Date unless the Housing Allocation Scheme shows another Relevant Date would apply.
• You will not lose your original application date as long as you submit your online application before 23:59 on 3 March 2023. If you submit an online application after this time and date, you will have a new Relevant Date.
• The new Housing allocations scheme 2021 policy document provides further information.
• Due to the changes in the allocations scheme, some applicants who previously qualified may no longer qualify and if so, their housing application will be cancelled from 5 March 2023.

Your application will be assessed according to the Housing Allocations Scheme and you will be placed into one of five bands (Priority Band to Band D), depending on your level of housing need. We may ask you for some further information in order to verify your housing circumstances and to award the correct level of priority.

We will then write to you and tell you:

• your housing application number
• the band your application has been placed in
• the Relevant Date of your application
• the number of bedrooms you are entitled to

You can find full information on who is eligible to join the Housing Register, who will qualify and how priority is awarded in the Housing allocations scheme 2021 policy document.

Nothing. We operate a direct allocation scheme and will contact you if you are matched to a property.

It is important you keep your application up to date with any changes, including your contact number. Any changes can be made using your login details.

If we are unable to contact you, this may be treated as a refusal of a property. For applicants who have a limited number of offers, this may count as your qualifying offer of accommodation.

No. We work with housing associations who have properties in this Borough to make a combined housing register. You only need to make one application to us. If this changes, we will let you know.