Applying for Social Housing
The Housing Executive and housing associations in Northern Ireland are working together to make it easier for you to apply for housing.
If you own your current home or rent from a private landlord anywhere in Northern Ireland, you should request a housing/transfer application form which is available from any Housing Executive or housing association office.
Alternatively you can download the following documents from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Website by clicking on the following link:-
NIHE Housing/Transfer Application Form - click here
The completed form can be returned to any Housing Executive or housing association office where if necessary, it will be forwarded to the Housing Executive office of the area in which your live for registration.
The Housing Executive will acknowledge your application form and a visit with you will be arranged so that a housing officer can talk to you about your circumstances, establish that you are eligible for social housing in Northern Ireland, determine your particular needs for housing and discuss where you would like to be rehoused and the providers available in the areas you select.
If you qualify for housing in Northern Ireland, your circumstances will be assessed under the rules of the Housing Selection scheme and you will be awarded points which will dictate your position on your specified waiting lists.
If you live outside Northern Ireland, your eligibility for housing and your housing needs will be assessed in the same way as any other applicant under the Rules of the Housing Selection Scheme, However, as the Housing Executive is unable to carry out a visit you will be asked to complete a combined housing/transfer and self assessment form which are available from any Housing Executive or housing association office. This type of application will be assessed by the Housing Executive office which deals with the area in which you would like to be rehoused.
Applying for a Transfer
If you are a Housing Executive or housing association tenant and you wish to transfer to another social housing provider you must complete a housing/transfer application form. This form is available form any Housing Executive or housing association office.
Alternatively you can download the following documents from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Website by clicking on the following link:-
NIHE Housing/Transfer Application Form - click here
This completed form must be returned to your current social housing landlord for registration and assessment under the Rules of the Housing Selection Scheme.
Normally your transfer request will be granted provided:-
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You have been a tenant in your current property for at least 2 years.
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Your rent account is not more than 4 weeks in arrears.
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Your property is in a good state of repair and/or you do not owe any recoverable charges (for repairs)
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You are not guilty of any serious breach of your tenancy conditions
If your transfer request is declined your landlord will write to you explaining the reasons.
Applying for Social Housing by Telephone
If you are an applicant living in Northern Ireland and applying for accommodation for the first time or if you are a Housing Executive tenant wanting to apply for a transfer you can apply over the telephone by dialling 08448 920900.
Your basic details will be recorded and a suitable appointment will be arranged for a housing officer from the Housing Executive to call with you to carry out a housing needs assessment.
If you are a housing association tenant requesting a transfer, the telephone service may not be available to you. Please contact your current landlord to enquire whether you can apply by phone or whether you need to complete a Housing/Transfer form.
Exchanges of Accommodation
Exchanges of accommodation can take place between tenants of any registered social landlords, for example, another Housing Association or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Exchanges are normally approved providing they do not create overcrowding and both tenants have an acceptable rental payment record. No exchange can be made without both the social housing providers consent in writing.
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