Submit an application for social housing in Oxford

To apply for inclusion on the Oxford Register for Affordable Housing (ORAH), you must complete an application form and provide supporting documents relating to your household and circumstances.

If your application is accepted, you will be told how to bid for properties advertised weekly through Choice Based Lettings.

When completing your application, you must answer all questions and upload all required supporting documents. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

All information will be treated as confidential, although it may be shared where necessary to prevent fraud or verify information relating to your housing needs.

We will take action against anyone found to have submitted a fraudulent application or failed to provide full and accurate details of their circumstances.

Please read Important information before you apply.

Mandatory documets we require

Your application cannot normally be assessed until all mandatory documents have been received. Providing clear and complete evidence at the outset will help us process your application more quickly.

Be aware that applicants (and joint applicants where applicable) will need to enter their National Insurance Number (NINO) on the application. Without this, you will not be able to proceed.

To process your application, you must provide the following documents:

1. Proof of identity (all household members aged 18 or over)
   Provide one of the following:
   • valid passport
   • driving licence
   • in the absence of either of these types of ID we will accept another form of photo ID such as a Citizen ID Card along with a full Birth Certificate. A Citizen ID Card can be purchased online: Apply for a UK ID card Online - CitizenCard
2. Proof of immigration status (where applicable)
   For each household member aged 18 or over who is subject to immigration control, provide:
   • a share code beginning with 'S' so we can verify your status online (prove your immigration status - GOV.UK); or
   • official Home Office documentation confirming your immigration status
3. Proof of identity for children and dependent adults
   Provide a full birth certificate showing parents' names for:
   • all household members under 18
   • any dependent adults included on the application
4. Proof of Child Benefit (if applicable)
   Provide your current Child Benefit award letter showing:
   • the claimant's name
   • the names of the children included in the claim
     
     If you do not have an award letter, you can obtain proof via: Prove you qualify for Child Benefit - GOV.UK 
5. Proof of your current address
   Provide one of the following:
   • current tenancy agreement
   • licence agreement
   • letter from the head of household confirming you live there
     
     If you have no fixed address, provide letters from friends or family you have stayed with since leaving your last settled address, or covering the last five years if requested.
6. Proof of income (all household members aged 18 or over)
   Provide:
   • full bank statements showing name and address for the last two months showing income received
   • the last three months of payslips (if employed)
   • evidence of any benefits claimed (such as a current entitlement letter or full  Universal Credit statement)
     
     Where a bank statement is submitted, you should send a full bank statement in PDF format. Do not send screenshots or photos of bank transactions as these do not include the required information and we will not accept them.
7. Proof of savings, capital and other assets (all household members aged 18 or over)
   Provide:
   • full bank statements showing name and address for the last two months for all current, savings, building society and Post Office accounts
   • evidence of any other assets, investments or capital you own
     
     Where a bank statement is submitted, you should send a full bank statement in PDF format. Do not send screenshots or photos of bank transactions as these do not include the required information and we will not accept them.
8. Proof of a qualifying local connection to Oxford 
   If you or your partner are claiming a local connection to Oxford, provide evidence of at least one of the following:
   • you have lived in Oxford for at least six of the last twelve months, or three of the last five years
   • you are permanently employed in Oxford for at least 16 hours per week
   • you have a close family member who has lived in Oxford for at least five years
   • you are a current or former member of the Armed Forces, or the bereaved spouse/civil partner of a member of the Armed Forces

How to submit your application form

Before applying please use the self-assessment tool to check your eligibility.

Check your eligibility

If you're eligible, please use the link below to start the form.

Apply for inclusion on the General Housing Register

if you have any difficulties completing the form or have any questions speak to customer services.

What happens after you apply

You will be given an application reference number after submitting the online form. Please make a note of this number in case you need it later.

If you provided an email address you will also be sent an automatic confirmation email which will include the application reference number. Please contact us if you don’t receive this within an hour of submitting your application (remember to check your spam folder).

We will then assess the application and write to you with the result.

The application process can take 12 weeks or longer. Submitting all your evidence online or sending in your evidence as soon as possible will reduce processing times.

We may also contact you if we require further information.

Related content

Apply to transfer an existing social housing tenancy