Join the housing register

The Royal Borough of Greenwich operates a strict housing waiting list.

There are more people looking for council and housing association homes in Royal Greenwich than there are properties available. As a result, you may experience a long wait before we are able to assist you.

We would therefore encourage you to consider other housing options.

Please note: If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within the next 28 days, the information on these pages may not be relevant. Do not complete an online application form. Instead, please telephone the Housing Options service as soon as possible.

Housing register

If you still wish to apply to join the housing register, please fill in our online form.

If you prefer, you can request a form from the Housing Allocations Team by telephoning us.

Return your form

If you choose to complete a paper application, you can return the form to the Housing Allocations Team by post or in person.

When we receive a completed application form from you, it will be registered on our computer within ten working days of reaching us.

If you do not qualify to be included on the register, we will explain why, and how to appeal if you do not agree. You can reapply if your circumstances change. We will then reassess your application and tell you if this changes your rehousing prospects.

Applicant number

If you qualify to be included on the register, we will send you:

• an applicant number to use when looking for property under the Greenwich Homes scheme
• the housing band (A, B, or C) you fall into. Some property adverts have restrictions on who can apply, for example 'only band A'.

We may need to complete further assessments before we can confirm your housing needs.

What if I lose my number?

If you have lost your number, contact the Housing Allocations Team.

Who cannot join the housing register?

The 1996 Housing Act says that you cannot register for housing if:

• you are from abroad and subject to immigration control
• you are from abroad and you are not habitually resident in the UK or
• you are a British citizen and you are not habitually resident in the UK.

Advice for people in prison

If you, or a friend or family member is currently in prison and want to join the Royal Borough of Greenwich's housing register, contact the Housing Allocations Team.

The application will be registered from the date it is received, and you will be sent a registration number in the usual way.

The application will be suspended until you confirm that you have been released from prison. While you are in prison, you should update us about any changes in your prison address or release date.

On release you will need to complete a new application form giving your current details, but you will keep the original date of registration. Prior to making your case 'live', you would need to provide up-to-date identification.