Your Rights When Choosing Social Housing in Northern Ireland

If you’re facing homelessness or housing instability in Northern Ireland, you may wonder whether you can choose where you’re housed. Understanding how social housing allocations work—and what flexibility you have—can help you make informed decisions and get the support you need.

How Social Housing Is Allocated in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, social housing is managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and a range of registered housing associations. If you become homeless or are at risk of homelessness, you usually apply for accommodation through the NIHE.

• Applications are assessed using a points-based system reflecting your level of need.
• Your preferences for location (such as towns, neighbourhoods, or specific postcodes) can be recorded on your application.
• However, having a preference does not guarantee an offer in your chosen area, as it depends on availability and others’ needs.

Can You Choose Where to Live?

When you apply, you can specify up to 10 areas where you’d consider living. For example, you might list your current neighbourhood or a location near family or work. The NIHE will consider these preferences, but their ability to honour them depends on:

• The urgency of your housing need (points score)
• The availability of suitable properties in your chosen areas
• How many others are also seeking homes in those places

If no properties are available in your preferred locations, you may have to wait longer or accept a property elsewhere. NIHE will usually offer accommodation that meets your basic needs, which may or may not match your top-choice area.

Your Application: Key Forms and Practical Steps

To start the process, you typically use the following form:

• Housing/Transfer Application Form (NIHE)
  Download the NIHE application form.
  Use this if you are applying for social housing for the first time or wishing to transfer to different social housing. For example, if you’ve just received an eviction notice and need emergency housing, you should fill out this form as soon as possible.

Once completed, you can submit the form online or in person at your local NIHE office. The Housing Executive will contact you if further evidence or clarification is needed.

Special Circumstances and Priority

If you are classed as statutorily homeless under the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988, you will be awarded additional points. This can increase your chances of being offered a property quickly, though choice may still be limited by supply.

If You Refuse an Offer

You have the right to refuse an offer of housing. However, if you decline several reasonable offers, your application may be suspended or your points could be reduced. It’s important to fully understand the implications before refusing. The NIHE's guidance on refusing an offer explains this in detail.

If You Disagree with the Housing Executive’s Decision

If you believe you’ve not been offered a suitable property or your preferences were unfairly ignored, you can challenge the decision. The key official tribunal for housing disputes in Northern Ireland is the Northern Ireland Land Tribunal. However, most issues are first reviewed by the NIHE’s own appeals process before going to the Tribunal.

• Appeal or Review Request (NIHE)
  Appeal your NIHE housing decision.
  Use this if you want an internal review of your offer or points assessment—for instance, if you think an offer was unreasonable or your location choice was overlooked.

The typical process is:

• Contact NIHE in writing stating your grounds for appeal.
• Provide supporting evidence (e.g., work, education, medical needs linked to an area).
• Wait for a review. If unsatisfied, you may escalate to the Land Tribunal.

Relevant Legislation

Social housing allocations and homelessness support are governed by the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 and the Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010^[1][2]. You can consult the full legislation for detailed legal rights and criteria.

FAQs: Choosing Where You're Housed in Northern Ireland

1. Can I pick the exact street or estate I want to live in?
   No. While you can list preferred areas, you can’t usually specify exact streets or developments. The NIHE considers your choices within what is available.
2. What happens if I refuse accommodation I’m offered?
   You may lose priority points or face delays in future offers, unless you have a strong reason (e.g., medical grounds). It’s best to explain your reasons to the NIHE.
3. How many areas can I choose on my application?
   You can specify up to 10 areas on the NIHE application form. Being flexible increases your chances of quicker housing.
4. Is there an appeal process if I disagree with a decision?
   Yes. You can request an internal NIHE review or, if necessary, apply to the Northern Ireland Land Tribunal if you’re unsatisfied with the outcome.
5. Does medical need affect my chances of getting housed in a certain area?
   Yes. If you provide evidence that a particular area is necessary for medical or welfare reasons, this can be taken into account in the assessment.

Summary: What Renters Should Remember

• You can choose preferred areas when applying for social housing in Northern Ireland, but allocation depends on need and availability.
• Always use the correct NIHE forms and be prepared to provide evidence if you want priority for certain areas.
• You can appeal decisions and seek help from official government bodies if you think rules haven’t been applied fairly.

Understanding the process and being aware of your rights can help you make the best housing choices for your situation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Northern Ireland Housing Executive – How to Apply
• Housing Rights NI – Homelessness Advice
• Northern Ireland Land Tribunal
• For emergency housing advice, call NIHE on 03448 920 900

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1. Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988
2. Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010

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