We operate an open housing register, which means anyone aged 16 or over can apply. However, most people won’t be offered a home until they’re at least 18.
Some people may not be eligible because of their immigration status. We will let you know if it applies to you after you’ve submitted your housing application.
How to apply
You can apply online in 2 stages:
- Register your details – this is a short form that gets you set up on our system. Once submitted, you’ll get a login reference number, and you’ll need to choose a memorable date and a password for security. You can then login to complete the full application.
- Complete the full social housing application – this is a longer form (around 10 pages) that you need to fully complete and submit to us. We will write to you once your application is active and you can look at and bid for properties
What you need to apply
Make sure you complete all sections fully as any missing information can delay or even cancel your application. Before you start, please make sure you also have the following ready to upload:
- valid ID
- proof of your current address
- a landlord reference (if applicable)
If we don’t receive these, we won’t be able to process your application. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept your ID at Howden House, Sheffield Property Shop, but only if you’ve got everything required.
Watch our step-by-step video guide
Receiving your application
Once we’ve received your full application and documents, we’ll aim to review and validate everything within 28 days.
Once validated, we’ll get in touch to confirm your details and you’ll be able to start bidding for homes on our site.
Making changes to an existing application
If you update your details, we might ask for your ID. This can be emailed to RegistrationID@sheffield.gov.uk or can be brought into any area office or Howden House. You’ll need to send this within 28 days, otherwise your application could be cancelled.
How long we will keep you on the register
- If you regularly keep your housing application updated, it will remain active on the housing register. Your application will be closed if you:
- accept a property offer
- your circumstances change which mean you are no longer eligible, (debt or behaviour affecting your application)
- you fail to respond to a request from us for further information
Factors affecting your eligibility
There factors that can affect your eligibility.
If you have rent arrears now or from a previous tenancy
If you’ve previously rented from Sheffield City Council and still owe rent, you’ll need to agree a repayment plan with us first. We won’t move forward with your application until regular payments are in place to reduce the debt.
Immigration status
You might not be eligible to join the housing register because of your immigration status.
This includes:
- people who are subject to immigration control, unless they are exempt for example, if they are already a secure tenant or fall within a class defined in regulations by the Secretary of State
- people from abroad who are not subject to immigration control but are still considered ineligible under government rules
These regulations come under the Housing Act 1996, which sets out who can and cannot be offered council housing based on their immigration status.
If you apply and we find that you're not eligible, we’ll explain the decision to you in writing and outline the reasons why.
Unacceptable behaviour
Some people may not be allowed to join the housing register because of past behaviour either their own or someone in their household.
This includes situations where:
- you’ve had persistent rent arrears and not made efforts to repay them
- you or a joint applicant caused serious damage to a property
- there was antisocial behaviour that led to the loss of a previous home
- you’ve been convicted of domestic abuse or certain other criminal behaviour
- you previously sublet a council home without permission
- you gave false information in a housing application
We also look at behaviour from people in your household if they lived with you at the time the behaviour took place.
If this applies to you
You won’t be able to join the register now, but if your behaviour has changed, you can apply again in the future. We may ask for evidence that things have improved such as references, repayment history or changes in your circumstances.