What is the Housing Register? | Berneslai Homes

Article: What is the Housing Register?

The Housing Register is a list of people who want to be re-housed by Barnsley Council.  People also join the housing register if they want to be put forward to a housing association. The list is a combined list for both current tenants and all other people.
The register works under a set of rules known as the Lettings Policy. The policy meets the regulations in the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Act 2002.

Who can join the register?

Anyone can apply to join the register and become our tenant. However, there are certain circumstances where we may not agree to you joining the register. These are if:

1. You do not fulfil the UK residency criteria;  
2. You or a member of your household have behaved in an unreasonable way including anti-social behaviour, harassment, damage to council property, violence to staff, rent arrears or debts; or  
3. You are under 16. People who are 16 and 17 can join the register. However, we may not offer you a tenancy until you are 18.

Before we make a decision, we will take all your circumstances into account.

We aim to tell you in 20 working days if you can join the register. If we cannot meet this timescale we will write and let you know.

If you do not agree with any decision we make on your housing application, you can appeal. For further information visit How to appeal against a Berneslai Homes decision.    

How do I apply to join the register?

You can apply to join the housing register online by completing the Online Housing Register Application Form. 

If you prefer you can download  an application form,complete it and return it to any Barnsley Connects Office Housing Register Application form. 

Alternatively you can get a form from your local Barnsley Connects Office (Barnsley Connects staff can help you fill it in);  or by phoning 01226 775555 (we will post a form to you). 

What sort of tenancy will I be offered?

If you currently have a secure tenancy or certain types of assured tenancy, when you are re-housed, you will be offered another secure tenancy.

If you are a lodger, an owner or have any other form of tenancy (i.e. private) you will be offered an introductory tenancy.

I have or a member of my household has a physical or mental health medical condition. How do I apply for medical priority?

If you are already on the housing register or have just made an application to join the housing register and you or a member of your household has a physical or mental health condition you can apply for medical priority using our online medical self assessment form. We would only give priority to people who are at risk in their current home and whose circumstances could be improved by being rehoused.

To apply for medical priority you will need to complete one of our self assessment medical forms. You can obtain a form:
• Online. Click here for our online self assessment medical form
• From any Barnsley Connects Office
• By post. Please ring 01226 775555 and we will send you a medical form

I need to move to give or receive support, how do I apply for priority?

Anyone who gives support to, or receives support from, someone who does not live with them can apply for rehousing. We will only give priority to people whose current housing situation is affecting their ability to give or receive care. This includes where the distance between the home of the person providing the support and the home of the person receiving it affects the ability to give or receive the support needed.

To apply for priority for support reasons you will need to complete one of our Application for rehousing to give or receive support forms. You can obtain a form:
• Online. Click here for our online application for rehousing to give or receive support forms
• From any Barnsley Connects Office
• By post. Please ring 01226 775555 and we will send you a support form
 
What should I do if when I am on the housing register my circumstances change?

You need to keep us informed as soon as possible if any of your circumstances change as changes could affect the priority your application receives.

If your circumstances change for example you move to a new home, give birth to a child, you should complete and return one of our change of circumstances forms.

You can obtain a change of circumstances form :
• Online, Click here for our online change of circumstances form
• From any Barnsley Connects Office
• Or by ringing 01226 775555 and we will post a form out to your home