Housing Register FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
What is the housing register?
The council’s housing register is a list of people who are waiting for accommodation. The council doesn’t own any housing but has made arrangements to nominate people on the housing register for vacancies in the housing stock of housing associations with properties in Hertsmere.
Who can apply?
An individual or family can register. As a general rule, they must be aged 18 or over. Applicants are prioritised according to their degree of housing need.
Who cannot apply?
Not everyone will be eligible to join the housing register, including:
- Asylum seekers under Section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and certain persons from abroad.
- People who have a recent record of anti-social behaviour, for example: people who have had formal legal action taken against them for nuisance in the area where they live; have carried out violence or threatened violence towards a member of their household, neighbours or others in the area where they live;
- People who have been violent towards council staff, another statutory authority or a Registered Social Landlord;
- People who have had formal legal notices served against them for rent arrears with a Registered Social Landlord and the arrears are still outstanding.
People with a record of anti-social behaviour or in rent arrears with a Registered Social Landlord may only be considered for registration where the Head of Housing Services is satisfied that there are urgent and essential health and/or social reasons.
More information on the exclusions from the housing register can be found in the councils allocation policy.
How can I apply?
You need to fill out an application form, you can do this by downloading the application form 
and return it to the council offices. Hardcopies of the application form are also available from the council offices.
Please note: To ensure that you are considered for William Sutton, Aldwyck and the council’s waiting list make sure that you check the box allowing your application form to be shared between these organisations.
If you require a paper application or require help completing your form then contact the housing register team.
What is the points system?
The points system is used to assess your need. The information you provide on your application form enables us to assess your housing need and priority and thereby award points. In particular we look at:
- All categories of homeless people
- People who are living in unsatisfactory housing
- People who need to move for medical or welfare grounds
- People who need to move to avoid hardship to themselves or others
What size property might I get?
It will depend on your circumstances. The table below gives an idea about what size of property you may be entitled to.
S- Single, C-Couple, CH-Child, SS-Same Sex, BG- Boy&Girl
| S | bedsit/one bedroom |
| C | one bedroom |
| S or C - 1CH | two bedrooms |
| S or C - 2CH, SS, combined ages 0-10 | two bedrooms |
| S or C - 2CH, BG, combined ages 0-8 | two bedrooms |
| S or C - 2CH, SS, combined ages 11 | plus years three bedrooms |
| S or C - 2CH, BG, combined ages 9 plus years | three bedrooms |
| S or C - 3CH | three bedrooms |
| S or C - 4+CH | four bedrooms or large three bed |
Further information about housing associations
A leaflet with details of the housing associations working in the borough is available from us or you can look at their websites for more information: www.williamsutton.org.uk 
or www.aldwyck.co.uk
What if I move but still need to be on the waiting list?
You need to let us know your new address as soon as possible as you will need to complete a new application form so that your points total can be re-assessed. You should also tell us of any other changes in circumstances which may affect your need for re-housing e.g. child leaving home, as this could affect your application.
How often do you review applications?
Once a year. This happens on the anniversary of the date you first registered. Applicants will be asked to complete and return forms for this purpose.
I have a pet, will this affect my housing application?
If you have applied to the councils housing register for permanent accommodation and you have a dog or cat it is important that you inform the housing register team.
The council nominates applicants to vacant properties which arise in housing association stock. Some associations have rules regarding pets in flats where there is communal access. You may need to consider whether you wish to make other arrangements for your pet. Organisations that may be able to assist you can be found in the leaflet housing applicants with pets
Will I get an offer of accommodation in my chosen area?
Waiting list applicants will receive offers of permanent accommodation in the area of choice detailed on their application form. Offers will be made according to housing need assessed by the points scheme. Preferences will be noted and taken into account wherever possible.
What if I refuse a suitable offer?
If you refuse a suitable offer the council may review your application and your points may change. If you are unsure of the situation regarding an offer of accomodation you should contact the housing register team for advice.
Can I be re-housed outside the council area?
You can apply to go on the waiting lists of other councils. However, if you are homeless you should contact the council where you have a connection in the first instance.
What if I do not agree with the housing register decision?
An applicant has the right to review on the following matters only:
- A decision by the council not to put your name on the housing register.
- A decision by the council to remove your name from the register.
For further information on housing register decisions you can download the leaflet, Your right to review housing register decisions
What if I am homeless, or threatened with homelessness?
Anyone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness within 28 days should ask us for the leaflet entitled 'The Hertsmere Homelessness Service'. You will be entitled to advice and help with your housing problems. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be offered temporary accommodation.
I am homeless – what offer will I get?
One offer of temporary accommodation will be made to people to whom the council has a duty under the homelessness legislation.
In the case of households accepted as homeless and placed in temporary accomodation, one offer of suitable accommodation will mean that the councils statutory homelessness duty to provide temporary accommodation will come to an end. An applicant refusing an offer of permanent accommodation would need to satisfy the council that the offer was not suitable or reasonable to accept
Further information is available on homelessness issues.