Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to join the housing register?

We operate an open housing register and anyone over 16 may apply to be included on it, except for:

• anyone who is subject to immigration control who does not have exceptional leave to remain, settled immigration status or refugee status
• anyone not habitually resident in the Common Travel Area
• anyone who no longer has right to reside in the UK
• anyone who has been deemed guilty of serious unacceptable behaviour (including rent arrears, nuisance or annoyance to other residents
• anyone who has unspent convictions for criminal behaviour committed within their home
• anyone who supplies false or misleading information

For full details please refer to section 5 of the Housing Allocation Policy.

What is housing need?

You are in housing need if your present home is unsuitable for you and your family. For example:

• your home is too small
• you lack, or have to share, facilities like the kitchen or bathroom
• there are structural problems
• your medical problems are made worse by where you live

 

How is housing need assessed?

All applications are assessed under the banding scheme set out below. There are five bands which reflect the applicants housing need:

• Band A: Emergency Housing Need
• Band B: High Housing Need
• Band C: Medium Housing Need
• Band D: Low Housing Need
• Band E: Very Low Housing

Within each band there are a number of factors. We will consider the facts of your
application against each of these factors. If several of the factors apply to your case you will be placed in the band containing the highest ranking factors within band A to E.

For full details of the banding system, please see section 6 of the Housing Allocation Policy.

What happens once i have joined the housing register?

Once you have joined the housing register you will be informed what band your application has been placed in, and given your application number.

You will then need to bid for properties through Ideal Choice Homes, the choice based lettings system for the Lancaster district.

For full details about how Ideal Choice Homes works click here. You may also want to read the Ideal Choice Homes User Guide.

What happens if i am deemed ineligible to be included on the housing register?

You would be notified of this decision in writing and will have the right to request a review of the decision within 21 days. You would also be informed what you need to do to re-apply, and where appropriate be given advice about agencies to contact who may be able to assist you with this.

You have the right to make a new application after 12 months, unless a shorter time period is considered appropriate.