Housing Register

The following information provides details to questions frequently asked about the Housing Register.

What is the Housing Register?

The Housing Register was set up to allocate vacant homes to individuals and families in the greatest need of housing. These homes could be:

There is a shortage of housing in Woking and the demand far exceeds the supply - unfortunately it is not possible for us to house everyone who applies.

There are thousands of households on our waiting list, meaning that there are likely to be a lot of people using Hometrak Woking, our Choice Based Lettings scheme, to bid for available properties. Those in the most urgent housing need will get the highest priority and will be helped first. 

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Who can apply to join the Housing Register?

You may apply to join the Housing Register and become a member of Hometrak Woking if you are aged 16 or over. You will be accepted on to the Housing Register if you:

  • are aged 16 or over

  • have applied to the Council as homeless

  • are an existing Council tenant who wishes to transfer.

If your application is not accepted or is cancelled because you do not meet these criteria you can request a review of the decision. The review procedure is conducted by a Senior Officer unconnected with the initial decision.

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Who cannot apply to join the Housing Register?

You will not be able to join the Housing Register if :

  • You are not an `eligible person' under section S.160A of the Housing Act 1996. This could mean you are an asylum seeker or are not allowed to use public funds (help and assistance from the Government) because of your immigration status.

or

  • You or any member of your household has been found guilty of serious anti- social behaviour and a possession order is being sought or has been obtained.

or

  • You have assaulted a member of Woking Borough Council staff and an injunction is being sought or has been obtained.

or

  • You have knowingly given false or misleading information or withheld information that has been reasonably requested.

We will write to you if you are to be excluded from the Housing Register giving our reasons for excluding you.

For more detailed information about eligibility please refer to the Choice Based Lettings Procedure.

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How do I apply to join the Housing Register?

To apply to join the Housing Register you need to fill in an application form. You can get an application form by:

  • Downloading a Housing Registration Form, signing and returning it by post or handing it into the reception desk in the One-Stop-Shop (please note, it can take several minutes for the Housing Registration form to be downloaded).
  • Emailing: housingneeds@woking.gov.uk                             
  • Telephoning 01483 755855.                                    
  • Visiting the One Stop Shop at the Civic Offices.

You will need to complete the Housing Registration form if you wish to apply for rented or low cost home ownership properties.

If you wish to apply for sheltered or supported housing you will need to complete an additional self-referral form, which is available from the Housing Needs team.

You will need to give us all the information we ask for or we will have to return your application form to you. You must also provide documentary proof of any other information that has been requested (originals not photocopies).

Once you have been accepted on to the Housing Register you will be sent a Hometrak Woking information pack. This will include details about what type of property you will be eligible to bid for and information on how to bid. Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be sent separately.

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How does the Council decide what properties I am eligible for?

When the Council receives your Housing Registration form an assessment is made based on the information you provide. Your application will be prioritised and placed into a band depending on your housing need.

You will only be eligible to bid for the size and type of property that you are assessed as needing. People in the highest bands are usually housed first. 

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How long will it take to be allocated a property?

The length of time it will take for you to be housed will depend on the properties that become vacant and whether applicants come onto the Housing Register that are more in need of housing.

Information on all properties that are let through Hometrak is available on the Hometrak Woking website (via the Services Gateway), detailing the number of bids received for each property and the band and registration date of the successful applicant.

You can use this information to adjust your requirements for either area of property type depending on how quickly you need to move.

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What if my circumstances change?

You need to inform the Housing Needs team straight away of any changes in your circumstances. This includes:

  • marriage
  • a birth
  • a death
  • a new address
  • becoming homeless.

Any change could result in a change to your band, or your eligibility for a home.

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Will frequent contact speed up my application?

Contacting staff on a weekly or monthly basis will not change your band or priority date.

However, should you need to update your records or have any questions please telephone 01483 743833.

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Contact us

If you would like more information, please contact the Housing Needs team on 01483 743833 or email: housingneeds.enquiries@woking.gov.uk