Step 4: Apply for council housing
Things to know after you apply
Your housing reference number
This is your unique number used to identify your housing application. You will find your housing reference number in your letter or email. It is important that you quote your housing reference number in any email or letter relating to your application.
Changes in your circumstances
An example of a change of circumstances relating to your application might be:
- adding or removing a partner
- a change in employment
- adding a child to the application
You must inform us of any changes relating to your housing application. This can be done by completing a change in circumstances form, which you will need to email to housing@swindon.gov.uk, quoting your housing reference number.
If you have changed your address, you will need to complete a brand new housing application. To do this, you will need to email housing@swindon.gov.uk, quoting your housing reference number, asking us to close your existing application.
Further information regarding changes in circumstances can be found in our housing allocations policy.
Annual housing register review
Many applicants complete an application form but do not bid for accommodation and/or their circumstances change, which may mean they find a longer-term housing solution elsewhere and no longer need to be registered with the council.
In order to ensure the housing register is accurate, it must provide the most up to date information on applicants. All homeseeker and transfer applicants must complete a review form and/or a new housing application at least once every 12 months to stay on the housing register.
We will notify applicants, usually on the anniversary of their original application date, that they are being reviewed and they will be given a set period to respond and provide any requested proofs.
Applicants will be required to confirm that their circumstances are the same and/or provide up to date information to the council so that it is possible to review and reassess their application.
If applicants do not comply with the renewal process, the application will be cancelled and the applicant will be removed from the housing register.
There is no requirement for us to inform you that your application has been removed, as we will provide you with sufficient time to respond to the renewal process. The renewal letter will outline that if it is not completed, the application will be closed.
If you make contact within 21 days of your original application being cancelled, the application may be reinstated, along with the original banding date. This is providing you are still eligible to remain on the housing register following a full review and are able to provide satisfactory reasoning for why the documentation and information requested was not provided in order for the review to be completed.
If you wish to re-join the scheme at a later date, your new registration date will be determined by the new date that you apply. Your housing need will be reassessed and you will be placed in the appropriate band as set out within the housing allocations policy.
Property inspections for council tenants
If you have received a letter advising you of a property inspection, you must contact your Housing Officer as stated in the letter. This must be done within three months otherwise your application will be cancelled.
Requesting a move because of neighbourhood or repair and adaption issues
If you are deemed as adequately housed in accordance with our housing allocations policy, you will not be eligible to join the housing register.
In these circumstances we would advise you to:
- speak with your landlord, if you are a council tenant, as they are responsible for tenancy management and can investigate as required
- speak with your landlord, if you are a private tenant, so they can investigate as required. If the landlord fails to deal with repair issues, you can contact our environmental health team.
- report any anti-social behaviour, if you are a private tenant, to the police by contacting 101
How to reset your password
If you have forgotten your username or password, you will need to re-register. We will then send your login details to the email address you have provided previously.
You can view a guide on how to reset your password below: