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Join the Housing Register

Demand for social housing in Southampton far exceeds supply.

The council is not able to help everyone who applies. Applicants must consider alternative housing options in addition to the housing register, for example:

  • Renting privately
  • Living with family
  • Renting a room
  • Low cost home ownership

The Housing Register

To be considered for a council property you must join the Housing Register.

Not everyone qualifies to join the Housing Register. If you do qualify, you will be added to a waiting list but are not guaranteed a property.

Once on the Housing Register, the council use a 'points' based system to decide who is offered housing. Points are based on housing need.

The length of time you will wait for a property depends on a number of factors such as the type and size of accommodation you need.

It will be difficult to give you an accurate prediction of when you will be housed however the majority of people will wait several years.

Find out more about our points-based allocation system.

Before you apply

To be eligible to join the Housing Register, you must:

  • Currently live in Southampton

    There are provisions in place for social housing tenants (Council and Housing Association) who do not yet live in Southampton but need to move to Southampton to take up an offer of employment in the city, or to move closer to existing employment in the city.

  • Have lived in Southampton for three years

    You are only eligible to join the Housing Register if you have lived in the city for three continuous years (add) at the point of applying.

  • Be over 18

    You are only eligible to join the Housing Register if you are 18.

    If you are under 18 and at risk of becoming homeless, or if it is not safe for you to stay where you are, there is advice and help available. Contact Homelessness Advice or call 023 8083 2327.

  • Not own a residential property, in the UK or abroad
  • Not be subject to immigration control

    The law says that the council cannot allocate housing to people who are subject to immigration control including asylum seekers, those who have been refused leave to remain in the country, and those with no recourse to public funds.

Apply to join the Housing Register

If you are sure that you are eligible to join the Housing Register, please use the following link to apply:

Apply to join the Housing Register

If you need any assistance with this form, please contact us by:

Please be advised that we will require your full address history for the last five years. We will not be able to proceed with your application without this information. Transferring tenants will need their rent reference number to complete the online application form. Your application will be assessed quicker if you also provide your documents. Original documents can be brought to Gateway where they will be scanned and verified:

UK applicants

  • Current passport or UK birth certificate
  • National Insurance number proof, for example: national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
  • Proof of current address, for example recent utility bill, recent bank statement, tenancy agreement
  • Birth certificates for all children in the household
  • Proof of child benefit for all children in the household

European Economic Area (EEA) applicants

  • Current passport
  • Proof of EU Settled Status or Pre-settled status, or your share code, available at View and prove your immigration status
  • Proof of current employment or UK Permanent Residence card
  • National Insurance number proof, for example, national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
  • Proof of school attendance or GP registration for all children in household

Applicants subject to Home Office Immigration Control

  • Current passport
  • Current Visa and Home Office documents or Biometric ID card
  • National Insurance number proof, for example national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
  • Proof of current address

All applicants

  • Birth certificates for any children in household
  • Proof of child benefit for any children in household

The council may request additional documents if this is determined necessary.