Apply for council housing

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To join the housing register, you must be aged 16 or over.

How to apply

Check that you can join the housing register by reading the guidance below.  If you are eligible, complete the application form that follows the guidance. 

The form lets you apply for a council or a housing association rented home.

We do not accept all applications.

You cannot join the housing register if you:

  • own a property, either in the UK or abroad
  • have sold a property within the last 5 years, either in the UK or abroad
  • have enough income or savings to secure your own housing
  • are subject to Immigration Control under the 1996 Asylum and Immigration Act
  • do not usually live in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland
  • have been guilty of unacceptable behaviour as a tenant. Or someone in your household has.
  • owe money to a current or previous landlord and are not repaying it.

Icon for pdf Housing register application form [352.51KB]

What you need for your application

Please do not send original copies of your documents in the post to us.

  • Proof of identity for all household members who need to be rehoused with you.
  • Proof of your current address (utility bill).
  • Proof that you no longer own, or have a financial interest in, a property in the UK or abroad, for example, a completion statement.
  • If you are not a British citizen, you need to show evidence of your right to live in the UK. This could be a passport and other documents from the Home Office.
  • Proof of employment if you work in the Guildford area but do not live in the borough.

These documents must be up to date and valid.

We may ask you for other evidence, if required.

We will reject your application if you do not provide us with the documents we need.

What happens next?

Step 1 - Once we have received your documents, we will process your application.

Step 2 - If we need further information, we will contact you

Step 3 - we will notify you of the outcome of your application

Find out more about our banding scheme.

Requesting a review

If you do not agree with the decision that we've made on your housing application, find out how to request a review.

How long is the waiting list?

You may wait some years before you are offered any housing. See the latest waiting times on our housing facts and figures page.