Applying for Council Housing in Thanet, East Kent

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply for Council housing but only ‘qualifying persons’ are eligible to join the housing list. A qualifying person is anybody aged over 16 years old, those current home is their only home, or sole residence, who does not have access to a home elsewhere and who is not already on the housing list either on their own or with somebody else.

Under section 160A(1) and (3), and 185(2) of the Housing Act 1996 a person from abroad who is subject to immigration control cannot be allocated social housing and is ineligible for housing assistance, unless s/he is falls within certain regulations made by the Secretary of State.

Under sections 160A(7) and (8) of the Housing Act 1996, the Council can decide to treat persons as ineligible for an allocation of accommodation if they or a member of their household have been guilty of unacceptable behaviour serious enough to make them unsuitable to be a tenant.

In making a decision about whether a person is unsuitable, the Council will consider all the circumstances but will particularly take the following into account:

− rent arrears

− breach of tenancy agreement

− nuisance or annoyance to neighbours

− conviction of using for immoral or illegal purpose

− damage or neglect

− conviction for arrestable offence committed in the locality

− domestic violence causing other to leave

− false statement to induce grant of tenancy

− premium paid for assignment

− tied accommodation when dismissed for misconduct

If you apply for housing your application will be assessed according to various criteria and requirements. You will be assessed and you will be allocated to a priority band.

How do I apply?

You must complete a Housing Register application form. Forms are available from:

• Download an Application for Housing Register form
• Housing Options team on 01843 577277 or e-mail housing@thanet.gov.uk
• Thanet Gateway Plus centre, Cecil Street, Margate 
• Council's District Offices.

Any details you give on your application form may be shared with a number of Housing Associations that we work with as partners. We will be happy to assist you in completing the application.

For more information on the Housing Register, please contact:

Housing Options Team, Community Services Department, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1XZ

What happens next?

If you have been accepted onto the Housing Register, you will be eligible to see and bid for available social housing properties using Kent Homechoice.

Changes in Address/Circumstances

Please fill in a new application form if you move home.  You must do this as soon as possible.

Your application will be assessed using the information you provide us with on your Housing Register application form. In order for us to offer you the best possible service we need to be informed of any changes in your circumstances such as moving home, partner moving in with you or having a baby. If you are unsure whether a change in your circumstances will affect your application, please contact us immediately.

• Already on the Register, but your circumstances have changed?

Read our Lettings Policy adopted October 2004

Housing Options Team Service Standards

The council is committed to providing good quality services that meet the needs of all.  This booklet sets out services provided by the Housing Options Team, and what to do if you wish to make a complaint.

Housing Options Team

E-mail:

housing@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577277

Fax: 01843 577340