Step 4: Apply for council housing
Things to know after you apply
Use this page to find out how to update your housing application, complete your review, reset your password, and respond to letters from us.
Your housing reference number
Your housing reference number is a unique number for your housing application.
You can find it in the letter or email we sent you.
You must include your housing reference number in any email or letter about your application.
Tell us about changes to your circumstances
You must tell us about any changes that affect your housing application.
Changes can include:
- adding or removing a partner
- a change in employment
- adding a child to your application
To tell us about a change, complete the change in circumstances form (PDF)
Email the completed form to housing@swindon.gov.uk. You must include your housing reference number.
You can find more information in the housing allocations policy (PDF)
If you have changed address
If you have changed address, you must make a new housing application.
Before you apply again, email housing@swindon.gov.uk and ask us to close your current application. You must include your housing reference number.
Annual housing register review
We review housing register applications every 12 months.
This helps us make sure we have accurate and up-to-date information. Some people no longer need to stay on the register because they:
- do not bid for homes
- have had a change in circumstances
- have found a longer-term housing solution elsewhere
All homeseeker and transfer applicants must complete a review form or a new housing application at least once every 12 months to stay on the housing register.
We will usually contact you on the anniversary of your original application date. We will tell you that your application is being reviewed and give you a deadline to respond.
You may need to confirm that your circumstances have not changed. You may also need to give us up-to-date information and evidence, so we can review and reassess your application.
If you do not complete the review
If you do not complete the renewal process, we will cancel your application and remove you from the housing register.
We do not have to tell you again that your application has been removed. We will give you enough time to respond during the renewal process.
The renewal letter will explain that your application will be closed if you do not complete it.
If your application is cancelled
If you contact us within 21 days of your original application being cancelled, we may reinstate your application with the original banding date.
We can only do this if:
- you are still eligible to stay on the housing register after a full review
- you give us a satisfactory reason for not providing the information or evidence we asked for
- you provide the information or evidence needed to complete the review
If you want to re-join the scheme at a later date, your new registration date will be the date you apply again.
We will reassess your housing need and place you in the right band, as set out in the housing allocations policy (PDF)
Property inspections for council tenants
If you receive a letter about a property inspection, you must contact your Housing Officer.
You must do this within three months of the date on the letter. If you do not, we will cancel your housing application.
Requesting a move because of neighbourhood, repair or adaptation issues
You cannot join the housing register if we decide you are adequately housed under the housing allocations policy (PDF)
If this applies to you, you should:
- speak to your landlord if you are a council tenant, as they are responsible for tenancy management and can investigate
- speak to your landlord if you are a private tenant, so they can investigate repair issues
- contact our environmental health team if you are a private tenant and your landlord does not deal with repair issues
- report anti-social behaviour to the police on 101 if you are a private tenant
Reset your password
If you have forgotten your username or password, you need to re-register.
We will send your login details to the email address you gave us before.
You can also read our guide to resetting your password.