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Stockton-on-Tees
To rent a home you may need to:
- Be aged over 18. If you are aged 16 or 17 contact your local authority
- Have a housing need
- Have a right to rent in the UK
- Complete an affordability assessment
If you already own a property we will only consider you for housing in exceptional circumstances.
There are some circumstances where we may not consider you for housing.
Read our allocations policy for full details.
Housing is allocated using a banding system based on need. You can find full details in how your application is assessed.
How to apply for a home
Search online for a property and complete our application form.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a home
Search for a home
Get your information ready
You will be asked for documents throughout this process so it’s a good idea to get everything ready.
You will need:
- Addresses from the last five years
- Name and birth date of everyone on your application
- ID for all household members
- Proof of current address
- Evidence of your right to reside in the UK if you are not a British Citizen
- References from your current or previous landlord
- Proof of pregnancy
- Proof of medical condition
- Proof of income
- Proof of child benefit for dependants
Complete the application form
Complete the online application form.
You will need to know your:
- Addresses from the last five years
- Details of who you currently live with
- Name and birth date of everyone who you will be living with
We will also ask you questions about your:
- Current housing situation
- Housing needs
- Support needs
- Financial and work status
If you are unable to complete the online application form then please register your interest.
Have your housing needs assessed
When we receive your application, we’ll assess your housing needs and place you in a band.
Housing is prioritised based on a banding system, which reflects your current housing need. In Scotland, if you do not have a housing need you will be placed on a waiting list.
It’s important to update us with any changes as this may impact which band you are in.
Be matched with a home
We’ll be back in touch if we match you with a property that meets your housing need. You can turn a property down, but you will only be able to do this three times. After this your banding may be affected, or you may even be removed from our housing list.
Complete the paperwork
If you’re successful, there may be further documents we’ll ask you for. We’ll let you know when we get in touch.
You may need to complete an affordability assessment to check the home is right for your financial situation.
Receive your formal offer
You'll receive a letter with your formal offer.
View your home
As soon as the home is ready, we’ll invite you to a viewing.
You also need to make sure we have all the documents we’ve requested.
Get ready to move in
We’ll keep in touch with you until your home is up to our standards and ready to move in.
We’ll take you through your tenancy agreement and normally ask you for your first rent payment.
FAQs
Why might I need to complete an affordability assessment?
We are committed to helping our customers avoid financial hardship. It’s important your home is right for your needs, and that means checking that you can comfortably afford it.
Who gets offered a home?
The rules which set out who is offered a home is called an allocation policy. It tells you:
- Who can apply
- Who is prioritised for homes
- What size home you could get
Who gets prioritised for housing is based on a banding system, which reflects your current housing need.
When can I see the home?
If you’ve been matched with a home and once the home is ready, we’ll invite you to a viewing. We’ll also try to have photos, or a video, available before this so you can see the inside.
Why can't I move into my home straight away?
Moving home is exciting and we appreciate you’re keen to move in. But sometimes we need to carry out repairs before you move in to make sure it meets our standards. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in regular contact so you know what’s happening.
I’m not happy with the decision you’ve made about my housing application. How can I appeal?
If you feel your application has not been dealt with in accordance with our policy, or that any representative of Home Group has treated you unfairly or unreasonably you may appeal. You can appeal in writing within 10 working days. Our address is One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX.