Housing Register

Housing supply in the District

• Rochford District Council does not own or manage any property in the District; therefore, social housing for our District means housing owned by housing associations/registered providers.
• There are not enough homes available for everyone that would like one and for this reason our housing register focuses on local residents with the greatest need. Please see the Affordable Housing Stock document.
• We only allocate around 140 properties each year and demand outstrips supply. All residents are, therefore, strongly advised to consider all their future housing options because the wait for social housing can take years.
  

Tenancy Strategy

• The Localism Act 2011 required all strategic housing authorities to adopt a tenancy strategy to set out the matters to which Registered Providers in their District must have regard when developing their own tenancy policies.
• The Act further stated that each Registered Provider must adopt a tenancy policy to comply with regulatory requirements.
• This strategy provides an overview of the general approach the Council would like RPs to take when preparing their Tenancy Policies.

A copy can be found in the Related Content section.

Housing Allocation Policy

• The Housing Allocation Policy is the way that the council determines priorities for allocating social housing and all councils must have a scheme by law. Having a policy in place ensures that Rochford District Council allocates social housing to the people who need it the most.
• When someone applies for housing with the council, the criteria in the Policy determines if they are eligible and qualify for social housing. If they do qualify for social housing they will join the council’s housing register (housing waiting list).
• The Council updated its Housing Allocation Policy in April 2022 which is due to be updated later in 2025.

Housing Register

Qualifying for the Housing Register

• In order to qualify to join the housing register you must have a local connection to the Rochford District and have a housing need, which you do not have the financial means to meet
• Local connection is that you currently live in the District and have done so continuously for the last 3 years

Or

• You have a close family member (mother/father adult brother or sister or adult children) who have lived in the District continuously for the last 5 years

Or

• You currently work in the District for at least 16 hours per week

Note: Please refer to the Allocations Policy for the full local connection definitions and exceptions to the local connection criteria.

How to apply?

• If you would like to apply for the housing register you can complete the online Housing Register Application form H1.
• If you require housing advice or assistance please complete the Housing Options Assessment form. 
• For further details please see the FAQ document for details.

Applying for the Housing Register

What supporting information do I need?

• 2 forms of I.D for yourself and all adult members of your household (one form must be photo I.D)
• Full Birth Certificates for all children your household
• Last 3 months bank statements for all accounts held  for all adult members of the household including current , savings, investments, ISA accounts
• Confirmation of employment details including recent wage/salary slips
• Any award letter from the benefit agency
• Proof of residency at your current address dated within one month of your application together with council tax bill and utilities bill
• Confirmation of receipt of child tax credit and child benefits
• Confirmation of receipt of pension
• Proof of pregnancy
• Tenancy agreement
• Notice to quit or possession order
• Proof of family residence in the district, dated within the last 5 years
• Medical evidence
• Proof of sale of any previous owned properties
• Armed forces discharge papers
• For owner / occupiers: up to date mortgage statement including proof of loans secured on the property
• Immigration status

Note: You will also need to supply a range of supporting documents as proof to support your housing application. Failure to do so will result in a delay in your housing application being processed or your application may be cancelled.

How will my application be assessed

• Applications will generally be assessed within 28 days providing all documentation has been provided.
• Where documentation has not already been provided with the application then these must be provided within 14 days of your application.  Dependant on the individual circumstances failure to provide these documents may mean that your application will not be assessed and your application cancelled.
• Applicants will notified of the outcome of their application and advised of their banding priority.
• Where applicants provide additional medical information then this will be assessed separately by the Council’s Independent Medical Advisors and you will be notified separately of the outcome.

How long will it take for me to be rehoused

The length of time is dependent upon many factors including:

• What Housing Allocation Band you are placed in.   
• The type of property, including the number of bedrooms you require,
• Your choice of areas
• If you need any special facilities e.g. housing adaptations.

The current average time can be seen in the Lettings by Area and Bedroom Size page

Apply for sheltered housing

• Applicants must be over 60 or over 55 with certain medical conditions. NB: any nomination is at the discretion of the relevant Housing Provider
• If you are not eligible for the Council Housing Register you may wish to apply direct to the local Housing Associations.

Sheltered Housing and Housing for older people properties

There are a number of properties that are designated for applicants who are over 55.

The waiting time for sheltered housing is much shorter compared to General Needs housing.

There is a wide range of benefits for residents of Older persons or sheltered housing which include:

• 24-hour telecare provided by the Housing Association through your emergency alarm.
• A dedicated scheme manager service for the building where you live. Your scheme manager will introduce themselves to you and make sure you know how to contact them if you have any queries. Management of the building where you live, including ensuring fire safety and compliance, that repairs to communal areas are reported and that the building is secure.
• communal facilities, including a lounge, garden, on-site laundry, communal parking bays
• guest room for visitors (where applicable).
• Please note: Not all will allow pets

Mutual Exchange

• A mutual exchange is where two Housing Association tenants can swap their property subject to agreement by both Housing Associations
• There is a list of tenants interested in mutual exchanges held at the reception area of the Council Offices at Rochford Library.
• If you find an exchange you should contact your landlord as any exchange must be agreed by your and the other applicant’s Landlord  
• If you wish to be considered for a Mutual Exchange, please complete this form.