Housing applications
The Housing Register
...is a waiting list of people who want social (council) housing. As the Council does not own any housing we rely on housing associations to provide housing for people in need of affordable homes. in the borough, rather we nominate households for properties in the borough owned by Housing Associations.
We aim to move at least 250 households from the housing register into housing association homes each year.
Due to the high demand for social housing, joining the housing register doesn't guarantee you a property. Those households who are successful may have waited a long time - even years. Many will never be offered social housing at all.
How does the register work?
People who join the register are placed into one of four bands and given points based on a number of factors including:
- Overcrowding
- Lacking or sharing facilities
- Condition of current housing
- Medical, disability or welfare need
- Homelessness
Additional priority is given to people who have a local connection to Tonbridge and Malling.
The Housing Allocation Scheme Summary sets out the rules and way in which applications and nominations are dealt with.
Who can join the Housing Register?
You must be aged 16 or over to apply to join the Housing Register and you must not be:
- A person whose immigration status does not allow them to apply to services which depend on public funds.
- A person who has previously been guilty of unacceptable behavior. This could include anti-social behavior or neighborhood nuisance.
- Subject to immigration control, unless you are in a group specified by the Secretary of State as eligible for housing assistance.
- An Asylum seeker who is waiting for a decision.
If you own or part own a property, whether or not you currently live there, or have enough money to be able to rent or buy in the private sector, you will usually be placed in one band lower than your assessed band. If you are a low priority and a home owner or have income or savings above the threshold, you will not usually be included on the housing register.
The current income and savings thresholds are:
- households with a total gross income of £50,000
- households with total savings of £30,000
How can I join the register?
Download and complete the housing assessment form below and post to our Kings Hill offices. You will need to ensure you provide all the documentation and identity requirements for you and your family. If you have medical needs that may affect your application please complete the medical and welfare assessment form.
What next?
Once you application is processed we will advise you:
- if you have or have not been accepted onto the register
- the number of points you have been awarded and why
- what we have assessed as your housing need or the size of property you require
Once on the list you can "bid" for properties via Kent Homechoice.