Getting a home from the Council
Applying to go on the Housing Register
The Council will consider every application for housing providing it
is made in accordance with the Council's Allocation Policy.
- The applicant must be at least 16 years old.
- Applicants will not be eligible if the Council is satisfied that:
a) he, or a member of his household has been guilty of unacceptable
behaviour serious enough to make him unsuitable to be a tenant of the
Council.
b) in the circumstances at the time his application is considered, he
is unsuitable to be a tenant of the Council by reason of that behaviour.
The only behaviour which may be regarded by the Council as unacceptable
is:
i. behaviour of the person concerned which would entitle the Council
to a Possession Order
ii. behaviour of a member of his household which would entitle the Council
to a Possession Order
- Applicants who are refused on the grounds of 2 (a)or (b)above may
make a fresh application after 12 months for further consideration.
- Applicants who are accepted on the register on the basis of information
they have provided and are subsequently found to be ineligible will
have their applications cancelled.
- Asylum seekers are not eligible because of immigration control. Asylum
seekers become eligible if they are granted refugee status, or granted
leave to remain in the UK (without any conditions).
Other persons who do not qualify are:-
a. a person who is not normally resident in the European Community (EC);
b. a resident of the EC who has been notified by the Home Secretary
that he/she no longer has a right to reside in the UK.
- The Secretary of State may prescribe other classes of persons from
abroad who are not eligible.
- Where joint applicants separate, they may submit separate applications
which will be regarded as dating from the original housing application
date providing the new application is made within 12 months of notifying
the Council.
- The Council are able to take into account the financial resources
available to a person to meet his housing costs, including equity in
a property. Owner occupiers over retirement age and owner occupiers
in housing need whose financial circumstances prevent them from purchasing
a more suitable home will be eligible for consideration.
- Right to a Review
If an application to join the Housing Register is refused; if an applicant’s name is removed without their consent or if an applicant is suspended for refusing 3 suitable offers, they have a right to ask for the decision to be reviewed. The request must be made within 21 days of being notified if the decision and the Council has a maximum of 8 weeks to respond. Once the Council’s decision on the review has been reached, the applicant cannot ask for another review on that decision. If the applicant remains unhappy, they can approach the Local Government Ombudsman
- Right to Information
All applicants have a right to information about their application.
The authority is not able to give information to a third party under
the Data Protection Act 1998, unless authorised in writing by the applicant.
To speak to an advisor please contact our housing needs team on 01304
872265 or if you live outside the area contact the housing department
of your local council.
E-mail: housing@dover.gov.uk
