- What is a Housing Association?
- How to apply for an association home
- Challenges facing Housing Associations
- Achievments by Housing Associations
- Complaints about Registered Housing Associations
- The Modern Social Housing Movement
- The Team at NIFHA
How to apply for an association home
How do I apply for a Housing Association home?
 | Housing associations and the NI Housing Executive work together to make it easier for you to apply for housing. All applicants must complete the Housing Application Form. The completed form should be returned to your nearest NIHE District Office. NIHE staff will visit each applicant and an assessment of their housing need will be carried out. |
The NIHE website will help you find out more about the process of applying for social housing as all requests go through the Housing Executive.
Further information on now housing association homes are allocated
All registered housing associations in Northern Ireland participate in the ‘Common Selection Scheme’. Their housing allocations are made in accordance with the rules of this Scheme.
The selection scheme was jointly devised by NIFHA and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). It means there is a single path into permanent social rented housing in Northern Ireland, whether owned and managed by a housing association or the Housing Executive. In this sense it provides a 'one-stop shop' for applicants. It promotes equal treatment by using common criteria to assess the housing needs of all applicants seeking a permanent letting.
The Common Selection Scheme means the application will be considered by all social landlords that are acceptable to the applicant and have suitable accommodation in the areas chosen by the applicant. As well as general purpose housing, the system covers sheltered housing and specialised accommodation for those with support or additional needs.
A broadly similar system is available for social tenants wishing to transfer to another home in the social rented sector. The main difference is the application should be sent to the tenant’s present landlord, who will conduct the assessment.
Where's my nearest housing association?
Check out our page: Housing Associations Database to find your nearest housing association. You can search by area and type/style.
