Housing FAQs

Can I apply to housing associations to go on their registers?

We work in partnership with a number of housing associations operating in the area. The council has nomination rights to most housing association properties in the borough and nominates applicants from the housing register to any vacancies. The housing associations themselves tend not to hold their own registers and rely mostly on council nominations. In effect by applying to the housing register you are applying for both council and housing association properties.

Can you refuse to accept me onto the housing register?

There are some people who are not eligible to be included on the Housing Register. Read more >

What other options are there for housing?

Most applicants on the housing register will generally have to wait five years or more for housing and many of those in the lower bands will have little chance of housing in the local area. Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to consider other options such as renting in the private sector. If your household is threatened with homelessness, we may be able to help you with a deposit for private rented property if you meet the criteria for our Homes 4U rent deposit scheme.

Do I need to renew my application each year?

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

How do I know if I have been accepted onto the housing register?

We will send you a letter or an email confirming that you have been accepted onto the housing register. This will tell you the band you have been placed within, the date your application has been registered from and the size of property you are eligible for.

How do I request a review of a decision?

Please use our online form to request a review of your housing application decision. You will need to state your reason for requesting a review. This must be within 21 days of the date you received the decision. Read more >

How do you decide who is offered a property?

After 'bidding' or expressing an interest in a vacancy, a shortlist of applicants is drawn up. The applicant with the highest level of priority, who has been waiting the longest, will normally be offered the property.

How long will it take to receive any offer of housing?

The demand for housing in Guildford is very high, with about 2,500 applications on the housing register. You may wait some years before you are offered any housing. Read more >

If I have the highest priority for a property, can the landlord refuse to let it to me?

Yes. This may be for a variety of reasons. Read more >

What are priority bands?

Priority bands are the scheme used by the Council to classify an applicant's circumstances and the strength of their connection to the borough of Guildford. The priority bands range from A - E, with band A being the highest priority to move. Read more >

What do I do if my circumstances change?

It is very important that you tell us of any changes in your circumstances so that we can amend your application. We will tell you if this results in your application moving to a different band. If you move up a band the date used will be the date you move into that band.

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 place a bid only on properties and areas that you are sure that you are willing to consider.

What if someone in my household has a medical condition?

If you or someone in your household has a medical condition, we ask you to complete a medical referral form Read more >

What other documents do I need to provide?

Please read more for a list of documents you will need to provide. Read more >