How to apply to join the housing register
Who can apply
You can apply to join the housing register if you meet all of the following requirements:
- have a legal right to live in the UK
- are over the age of 16
- have a housing need - this means that your current accommodation is not suitable for you or a member of your household
Your details
You will need to give:
- full names and dates of birth for all household members
- national insurance numbers for all household members aged 16 and over
- an email address
- a telephone number
- current address, including postcode
- address history for the last 10 years
You will need to note your login reference, a memorable date and password.
Documents
You need to attach documents to your application form. These must be uploaded to your online application. You can do this before you submit, or you can log back in and add them later.
If you can’t add your documents to your application you can:
- email them to housing.register@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
- bring them to the community hub at Time Square and scan them to the housing register team
If you don’t upload your documents directly to your application, your application assessment could be delayed.
Make sure that each piece of evidence is in one file and is clearly named.
For example:
- Passport – Joe Bloggs
- Bank statement – Joe Bloggs 10 January 2025
Identity
You must upload one identity document for everyone in your application.
For adults this can be one of the following:
- current passport
- driving licence
If you do not have photographic identification, you must provide a passport sized photo.
For children under the age of 18, you must upload a full birth certificate.
Address history
You must upload a 10 year address history for the applicant and joint applicant.
Pregnancy
If someone in your application is pregnant, you must provide proof of pregnancy.
Immigration status
For proof of immigration status, upload one or more of the following:
- EEA member state identity card
- residence permit issued by the Home Office
- national identity card bearing a photograph of the individual
- online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK
Include any other information that proves your immigration status. For example, you could share a code from GOV.UK.
Proof of current address
Proof of address documents must be dated within the last 3 months. You need to include them for the applicant and joint applicant (if there is one).
Upload at least one of the following:
- utility bill (gas, electric, water, TV, phone)
- council tax bill for the current council tax year (if a tenant of a property)
- bank or building society statement
- medical cards
- tenancy agreements
- general correspondence formally addressed to you
- notification letter from the Department of Work and Pensions
- HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand
If children are included on your application, you must upload proof that your children live with you as their primary home.
Upload one of the following:
- evidence of child benefit
- court orders confirming residence of children (for example, residency or special guardianship)
- supporting agency letter (for example, a letter from children’s social care)
Proof of residence in Bracknell Forest over the last 2 years
You must prove you have a local connection to Bracknell Forest by uploading at least one of the following documents, dated 2 years before the date of your application:
- utility bill (gas, electric, water, TV, phone)
- council tax bill for the current council tax year (if a tenant of a property)
- bank or building society statement
- medical cards
- tenancy agreements
- general correspondence addressed to you
Proof of income
You must upload at least one of the following:
- bank statements for every account you hold – for the last 3 months
- payslips for the last 3 months or the last 5 weeks
- Universal Credit entitlement letter
- proof of any other benefits
- child benefit
- private or state pension
Proof of property ownership
If you own a property, upload at least one of the following:
- original mortgage statement from a recognised lender issued for the full last year
- solicitor’s letter confirming house purchase or Land Registry confirmation of address
- current property valuation from an estate agent
- details of savings and assets
- details of any mortgage outstanding
- sale and proceeds of any owned property
If you wish to apply to join the Housing Register you will need to go to the home page and select register in the top right corner of the screen.