Join the housing register

Who can apply to be on the housing register?

You can apply for council housing through us. You'll usually have to join a waiting list and you're not guaranteed to get a property.

You can apply to join the housing register if you:

have a right to live in the UK
are aged 16 years or over
have a housing need listed in our allocations policy
live or have family/employment connections in the borough (subject to verification)

We will send you a letter or an email if you have been accepted on the housing register.

This will tell you:

the band you have been placed within
the date your application has been registered from
the size of property you are eligible for

Please read the Allocation Scheme (PDF) [697KB] before you submit your request.

More information about the housing register

How do I register?

Step 1: go to guildford.housingjigsaw.co.uk (opens new window)

Step 2: click 'Join the register' - this can be found in the box on the right hand side.

Step 3: fill out your details - you need to have an email address.

Step 4: you will receive an email asking to verify your account. Once verified, go back to the log in screen and click on 'Join the register'. You can then start your housing application.

Important - Account registration issue

Some applicants are experiencing account registration issues. They are receiving the error message 'You are unable to register with this organisation at this time. Please contact the organisation you are registering with for further information.'

Please email us the following information to housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk and we will be able to send you an account invitation link.

full name
date of birth
full postal address including the date you moved in
email address that you use for your housing application

Can anyone help me to register?

If you need help you can:

email housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk

What if I am at risk of homelessness?

If you are at risk of losing your home within the next eight weeks, call 01483 505050.

What if I cannot register online?

ask a friend or your family to help or use a computer at your local library
call us on 01483 505050 and we will help you
email us at housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk

Do I need to have an email address?

Yes, you need an email address.

Do I need to provide documents?

Yes, you will need proof of identity for anyone on the application.

Our system will tell you which documents we need when you have completed the application.

If you cannot provide documents we request from you, your application will be cancelled.

Can I provide documents online?

Yes, you can add them when you apply online.

You will need to individually upload each document requested.

We cannot accept original documents by post.

How will I know that you have got my application and that you are processing it?

Your application is submitted when you have:

completed the application
signed the declaration and consent form

You then need to go into your account area to see which documents we need. We cannot process your application until all requested documents have been uploaded.

How will I know that the registration of my application has been completed?

You will receive a notification in your account area. There will be a letter for you to view, which confirms your application has been processed.

What if my circumstances change?

You need to update your application online as this could affect your banding. Tell us about:

change of address, email or phone number
changes to your household
pregnancy updates
new employment and income details
changes to medical information

Will I have to renew my application every year?

Yes, you will get email reminders every year.

What happens if I forget to renew my application?

We will cancel your application if you do not renew it. It is important you keep your email contact details up-to-date to get reminders.

Is the bidding process going to change?

We now advertise properties on our housing jigsaw register.

Once you have completed your new application you will be able to bid for housing.

We advertise properties between Thursday and Sunday weekly. The adverts run from 12am on Thursday, and close every Sunday at 11.59pm.

Will I have to wait longer for housing?

Our waiting list is 5 - 7 years if you're applying for the first time. Renting while you wait will not affect your application but buying your own home will.

If you need any further help email housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk or call 01483 505050.

Apply to join the housing register

Housing register applicants

You will need to fill out the online form and upload the documents we need in your customer account under 'required documents'.

If you are unable to upload the documents online you can send them to housingadvice@guildford.gov.uk.

proof of identity for all household members. This should be one of the following: a copy of a passport, birth certificate, or photo card driving licence
proof of current address, for example, a recent utility bill
evidence of your right to live in the UK if you are not a British citizen. For example, a passport and other relevant Home Office documentation

You may also need to provide some or all of the following, depending on your circumstances and housing history:

proof that you no longer own, or have a financial interest in, a property in the UK or abroad. For example, a completion statement
proof of how you disposed of any equity you may have received from the sale of a property
proof that you do not owe money to a current or previous landlord
proof if you have a housing related debt
proof of your employment connection to the borough
proof of your family connection to the borough
proof that you are no longer the tenant of another social landlord

Apply to join the housing register (opens new window)

Our video will take you through the steps on how to apply to join the housing register.

Housing register renewals

Registered housing applicants will now be prompted to renew their application on an annual basis via their customer portal.

Housing register waiting times

The demand for housing in Guildford is very high. You may wait some years before you are offered any housing.

See the latest waiting times on our Housing facts and figures page.

The length of time waiting can depend on:

which properties become available
an applicant's priority on the register
the number of bedrooms you and your household need
how selective an applicant is over the type of property they wish to live in
how selective an applicant is over where in the borough they wish to live

You should be flexible with the areas you choose and to consider all types of property; for example flats as well as houses.

If you are a single person perhaps consider a studio apartment as well as one-bedroom flats. While this does not mean you will be housed quickly, it does mean that you give yourself a better chance of being considered.

How to bid for social housing

You can view our advertised properties by using our Guildford Borough Council's housing portal. (opens new window)

Once you have completed your new application and uploaded your documents, we will process your application.

Your application will be ready for us to process if you have:

completed your new online housing application
uploaded your documents

Once we process your application you will receive:

a notification in your housing register account and;
a letter of confirmation

You will then be able to log into your account and place a bid on available properties that meet your bedroom needs.