We match the type of property that is available with a suitable applicant. We then offer the property to the applicant with most points on the social housing waiting list.
How we allocate our homes
The Housing Executive and housing associations provide social rented housing in Northern Ireland. Together we are known as social landlords.
If you apply for housing and we place you on the social housing waiting list we call you an "applicant".
When a property becomes available we look at the social housing waiting list for that area. As a general rule, we then offer it to the applicant with the highest number of points requiring that type of property.
Some applicants may have an equal number of points.
We will then offer the property to the applicant who has been on the waiting list for the longest period of time. We base this on the date of their application.
When we offer you a property and you accept it, we call this an "allocation".
We will not offer homes to anyone under 35 years old within some of our blocks of flats. This rule is part of the Housing Selection Scheme.
What is a reasonable offer of accommodation?
Under the rules of the Housing Selection Scheme an offer of accommodation is said to be reasonable if the property being offered is:
- a suitable size for an applicant and their household (as outlined in the Rules of the Selection Scheme)
- within the applicant’s chosen areas of choice
- in a reasonable condition of repair, and
- suitable to meet the needs of the applicant and their household
Refusing an Offer of accommodation
If you refuse an offer of accommodation, or do not reply to the offer, it will count as one of your two reasonable offers under the Rules of the Housing Selection Scheme.
We will ask you for your reasons for refusal. In certain circumstances we may consider the refusal reasonable, and where appropriate, we will review you areas of choice and update your housing application with further details about your household, housing needs and areas of choice for re-housing.
If we think your refusal is reasonable, the offer will not count towards one of your two offers under the Rules of the Scheme.
If you are a person who is owed the full housing duty then you have a right to request a review if you disagree that an offer of accommodation is suitable.
You will need to contact the relevant Housing Executive Regional Review Officer, contact details for which will be provided in your offer letter. You will have 40 days from the date of your offer letter to request a review.
If you are a person who is not owed the full duty you can make a complaint if you consider that the offer is not reasonable.
You will need to contact the social landlord who made you the offer. You will have 40 days from the date of your offer letter to make a complaint.
Upon a second unreasonable refusal, your application will be deferred and you will not be considered for housing for 12 months.
Withdrawal of an Offer
A new rule (58A) has been added to the Housing Selection Scheme. This Rule details the specific circumstances in which a social landlord may withdraw an offer of accommodation and those where they must withdraw an offer of accommodation.
If you have an offer withdrawn you will be notified in writing. If you are unhappy with the decision you can make a complaint.
For more information please read our:
For more information:
- call us on 03448 920 900
- if you are a housing association transfer applicant contact your landlord
Disqualifications
As a social housing landlord we may refuse to offer you a home for a limited period of time in some circumstances.
Where we refuse to house applicants we call these 'disqualifications'.
We may do this in cases where you have:
- rent arrears
- abandoned a previous tenancy
- lived illegally in one of our homes
- been involved in anti-social behaviour
