How we allocate our homes

We know that when new homes become available, people often want to understand how decisions are made about who is offered them.

There is a very high demand for affordable housing across Kent, and unfortunately there are not enough homes available for everyone who needs one. Because of this, homes are allocated according to agreed policies that prioritise people with the greatest housing need.

In most cases, West Kent does not decide who is first in line for a home. Local councils manage housing registers, assess applications and determine priority based on their allocation policies. When a suitable West Kent homes becomes available, the council will usually nominate applicants from its housing register for us to consider.

We then carry out a range of checks before offering a tenancy.

The exact process can vary depending on the type of home and local agreements, but the information below explains how it works and answers some of the questions we're asked most often.

How the allocation process works

Most West Kent homes are allocated through agreements with local councils.

If you're looking for social housing, you'll usually need to apply to your local council's housing register. The council will assess your application and determine your level of housing need according to its allocation policy.

When a suitable West Kent property becomes available, the council will normally nominate applicants from its housing register. We then carry out our own checks before a tenancy is offered.

The way homes are allocated can vary depending on the type of property and local arrangements. For example, councils usually have nomination rights for the first letting of new-build affordable homes. 

If you're already a West Kent resident and your circumstances have changed, you may also be able to apply for a mutual exchange.

Frequently asked questions: 

  • Who decides who gets a home?

    In most cases (75%-80% of our homes), this decision is made by the local council rather than West Kent.

    Local councils manage housing registers and assess applications based on their allocation policies. When a suitable West Kent property becomes available, the council usually nominates applicants from its housing register.

    Before a tenancy is offered, West Kent carries out verification checks to make sure the information provided is correct and the tenancy can be set up successfully.

    In some exceptional circumstances, we may allocate homes directly. For example, this could be to support an emergency move, a domestic abuse survivor, a safeguarding case or another situation agreed with the local authority.

  • Who is eligible for social housing?

    To be considered for social housing, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by your local council.

    Councils assess housing applicants and decide who can join their housing register.

    The rules vary between areas but can include factors such as:

    • your housing need

    • your current circumstances

    • whether you have a local connection to the area

    If you're unsure whether you're eligible, you should contact your local council's housing team for advice.

    People seeking asylum who are awaiting a decision on their application are generally housed through separate Home Office accommodation arrangements and are not allocated social housing through local authority housing registers. Individuals who have been granted refugee status may be able to apply for social housing, subject to the same eligibility requirements as other applicants.

  • What is a local connection?

    Many councils give priority to people who have a connection to the area.

    The rules vary between councils, but a local connection could include:

    • living in the area for a certain period of time

    • working permanently in the area

    • having close family members who live locally

    Having a local connection does not guarantee that you will be offered a home, but it may form part of the council's assessment of your application.

  • How are new-build homes allocated?

    For new-build homes, the council usually has 100% nomination rights for the first letting.

    This means the council nominates eligible applicants from its housing register.

    Once those homes have been let for the first time, any future vacancies are allocated in line with the relevant agreement between West Kent and the local authority.

  • What checks are carried out before a home is offered?

    If you're nominated for a West Kent home, we'll carry out some checks before offering a tenancy.

    These may include:

    • identity checks

    • right-to-rent checks 

    • verification of household details and supporting documents

    • tenancy suitability checks

    These checks help us ensure the information provided is accurate and that the tenancy can be set up correctly.

  • What happens when a home becomes available?

    When one of our homes becomes vacant, we first assess how it should be allocated.

    Depending on the property and the relevant agreement with the local authority, the home may be considered for:

    • an existing West Kent resident who has been approved for an urgent transfer

    • applicants nominated by the local council through its housing register

    Where nomination rights apply, the council will nominate eligible applicants for us to consider.

  • What is an internal transfer?

    An internal transfer is when an existing West Kent resident needs to move home because their circumstances have changed and their current home no longer meets their needs.

    If you think you need to move, please speak to your housing officer. They can discuss your circumstances and the options available to you.

    If a move is needed, you will usually need to apply to your local authority's housing register and provide evidence of the change in circumstances that means your current home is no longer suitable.

    You may also wish to consider a mutual exchange, which allows you to swap homes with another social housing tenant, subject to approval.

    Although you're a West Kent resident, applying to the housing register means you could be considered for suitable homes owned by other housing associations as well as West Kent, depending on availability and your housing need.

  • Why are waiting lists so long?

    There are far more people looking for affordable housing than there are homes available.

    As a result, waiting times can be long. Priority is usually given to applicants with the greatest housing need, and not everyone who joins a register will receive an offer quickly.

    Because demand is so high, waiting times can vary significantly depending on the type of home needed and the area where people want to live. Applicants who choose a specific area or property type may wait longer, while those who are flexible about where they live and the type of home they are looking for may be offered suitable housing sooner.