Toggle menu

Information on social housing

Can I apply directly to housing associations?

We work with a number of housing associations in the area.

We nominate applicants from the housing register to any vacancies.

The housing associations do not to hold their own registers and rely mostly on our nominations.

By applying to the housing register you are applying for both council and housing association properties. 

How do you decide who is offered a property?

After 'bidding' or expressing an interest in a vacancy, we shortlist applicants.

The applicant with the highest level of priority, who has been waiting the longest, will normally be offered the property.

Can you refuse to accept me onto the housing register?

There are some people who can not be included on the Housing Register.

For example:

  • people who are subject to immigration control under the 1996 Asylum and Immigration Act
  • people from abroad who are not subject to immigration control but who are not habitually resident in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland
  • people (including members of their household) who have been guilty of behaviour that makes them unsuitable to be a tenant

What do I do if my circumstances change?

You need to tell us of any changes in your circumstances so that we can make changes to your application.

We will tell you if this means your application moves into a different band.

If you move up a band the date used will be the date you move into that band.

 

What if someone in my household has a medical condition?

You will need to complete a medical information form if:

  • you have a medical condition or;
  • if someone in your household has a medical condition

Email us at housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk to request a medical information form.

We may submit the information that you provide on the form for medical assessment by our medical advisor or other independent medical advisor.

The assessment received will help us assess if your current housing is affecting your health condition and is sufficiently severe to warrant inclusion in a higher band of our housing register.

Email the completed form to housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk or post it to:

Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House, Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

 

What if I don't like the property when I have seen it?

You are allowed to refuse two offers, if you refuse the third offer your application will be cancelled.

This is why it is important to only place a bid on properties and areas that you are sure you want to consider.

Do I need to renew my application each year?

Yes, once a year. See the steps you have to take to renew your application.

1. Each year after you apply, we send you a declaration form. Please make a note of the date you applied, so you do not miss renewing your housing application. 

2. Please complete the form and return it to us within 28 days.

3. If you do not return the form, we will cancel your application.

4. If you are in priority band E, you will not be sent an annual reminder.

Please note it is your responsibility to renew your housing application.