Housing FAQs

We hope this page will help you find the answers you ask us the most.  It is divided into four sections:

1  Applying for housing

2  Council tenants and leaseholders

3  Tenants and landlords in the private sector

4  Empty property

1 Applying for housing

I am, or might become homeless, can you advise me?

Contact us as soon as possible.  We will help you choose the best course of action open to you.  Information is here on our web site, and there are links to other web sites you might find useful to find out more about your own situation. 

How do I get on the waiting list for social housing?

This list is called the Housing Register.  You will have to fill in our application form and supply original documents to support your information.  If you are applying from outside Thanet you will probably only have low priority.

How long will my application take to get registered?

First we must receive your full application and all supporting documents.  When your application is complete, we will aim to register it within 28 days.  Complete applications are registered strictly in the order they are received.

I’m on the Register, how do I get a new home?

You will need to make bids on vacant properties to be successful.  Bids are made by using the Local choice based lettings system.  Vacancies are advertised once every two weeks.  Kent Homechoice has a User Guide on their web site that explains how to bid.

What is my bidding number?

Your bidding number is the same as your Housing Register number.  We print it at the top of all our letters to you, and it is given in your Welcome Pack from Kent Homechoice.

When will I hear if I’ve been successful on a bid?

We can only contact applicants that have been successful, so if you don’t hear you must assume you have been unsuccessful on that occasion.  Please continue to bid on other properties.  Feedback on your bid is given online on the Kent Homechoice web site in the next round of vacancies. 

Why am I waiting so long on the Housing Register?

We have far more households on the Register than we can re-house.  We must give priority to those people who have greatest need, and some families that become homeless. Click here for information about different housing options available to you .

I am an older person, what is available for me?

If you are over 55 years of age, you could choose to apply for sheltered accommodation with a Warden.  There are various sheltered schemes in Thanet, all run by housing associations.  If you need more support, there are two newly built Extra Support sheltered schemes available.  See more details, and how to apply.

What Housing Associations have homes in Thanet?

A list of Housing Associations that have property in Thanet are listed on our web site, and more details are available from the Tenants Services Authority web site.

How do I find private accommodation?

The Housing Register is heavily over subscribed, and people may face a very long wait to be re-housed by the council or a housing association.  It is often quicker to find a private tenancy.  There are a number of letting agents in Thanet you can contact for advice.

Can I get help to pay my rent?

Find out if you are entitled to claim Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance.  Download an application form now, or use the benefit calculator to guide you.

How do I find out about Housing Benefit changes?

The Government changes benefit rates from time to time.   Details will appear here.

I need help to buy my first home, what is available?

You may be eligible for the Government backed Homebuy Scheme.  To find out if you qualify, visit the Homebuy page.

2 Council tenants and leaseholders

Who do I contact for help if I am a tenant or leaseholder of the council?

Since April 2011, all services are being run by East Kent Housing.  This organisation performs landlord duties on behalf of Thanet, Canterbury, Dover and Shepway councils.  Contact East Kent Housing for all matters including: paying your rent, requesting a repair, or finding your local residents’ association, and much more.

3 Tenants and landlords in the private sector

My landlord won’t carry out a repair, what do I do?

If you have already complained to your landlord, and they still take no action, you can make a formal complaint to the council’s Housing Regeneration team.  We can look at the problem, and talk to your landlord about getting the work done. 

I live in Margate, is my home included in the Selective Licensing Scheme?

The Selective Licensing Scheme was introduced in part of Cliftonville and Margate to help tackle anti-social behaviour, low housing demand and improve living conditions.  Landlords are obliged to license their properties in the designated area and to comply with the terms of the Scheme.   See a list of streets and a map of the properties included in the scheme

I live in a bed-sit, what safety standards are there to protect me?

Buildings that are converted to bed-sits often have to be licensed as a House in Multiple Occupation (called HMOs).  The council can make sure that Licensed HMOs meet minimum safety standards including those for gas, electrical and fire safety. 

Are there any grants I can apply for to help me improve my home?

There may be different grants or loans available to private owner occupiers and tenants from time to time, when money is available.  See what Grants are available now.

I am a local landlord, where can I find information to help me?

Our Landlord Information page is regularly updated and provides links to housing benefit information, Thanet Landlords Focus Group, Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme, the Gas Safety Register and much more.  We recommend you add it to your list of favourites.

How can I save energy?

There are many tips on saving energy and cutting your bills at the same time.  Visit our energy efficiency page and follow the links.

4 Empty Property

There is a house that has been empty for ages, what is the council doing about it?

Tell us about it, we may already be aware of it and taking action. You can report an empty property on line now.  Find out more about what the council is doing to bring back empty homes into use .

I am interested in buying an empty property, can the council give me a list of properties that are available in Thanet?

We are not allowed to provide lists of empty properties, but by all means contact us and we will try to help.  Long-term privately-owned empty properties are a wasted resource at a time of high housing need, and in some cases, can have a detrimental effect on residents living nearby.

5 Strategic Housing

How can I find out more about shared ownership schemes?  What is HomeBuy?

HomeBuy is a government backed scheme that helps people to buy a property who can't afford a mortgage.  There are a number of different options to choose from.  Find out more.