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Our homes are let through the Common Housing Waiting List. To be on the list, you will need to complete a Common Waiting List application form. The process is straight forward, and we will explain all the important information you need to know to get started.

You can apply online via Cardiff Council’s Welcome to Housing application  portal. You can also obtain a form by visiting your local Hub, or through contacting the Cardiff Council Housing Waiting List Team on 029 20 537111. Once you have completed your application form, Cardiff Council will then interview you. Further information about this process can be found on the Cardiff Housing website

After Submitting Your Application

When we have a property available, we will select a number of applicants based on their needs and priorities from this list. We will then contact you to conduct a verification interview, to check your current circumstances. This will allow us to make sure you and the new property are a match by ensuring it meets your needs as best as possible. If the property is suitable, we will then send you a provisional offer of tenancy to confirm that you’re still interested and want to see your potential new home.

We spend time making sure that your future home with us is in the best condition possible. When it is ready, we will arrange a viewing with you. If you like what you see, you’ll be able to sign the tenancy agreement, receive a welcome pack detailing useful information about CCHA, and the keys to your new home.

In some cases, you may not feel that a home we have allocated is suitable for you. Please let us know as soon as possible and share with us why you don’t think it’s suitable. On refusing a property, your application will return to the Common Waiting List. We will get in touch if another suitable property becomes available. Please be aware that applicants are generally permitted two offers of accommodation; if the second offer is refused, your application will be withdrawn from the Common Waiting List. You can then reapply after 12 months have elapsed.

If your application is withdrawn, you can appeal directly to Cardiff Council to review this decision. In this instance, you may be asked to provide evidence to support your appeal. The reasons for submitting an appeal could include:

  • The property was not a type requested by you
  • The property was in an area you did not request
  • The rent was too high for you
  • Other personal circumstances

Your feedback is valuable and helps us to continually improve our services so please be as honest and specific as possible when sharing your reasons for refusal.

The exception to this criteria is Homeless Applicants who will be made one offer of accommodation and in doing so, the Council considers that it has discharged its duty under Homeless Legislation . Furthermore, applicants awarded Priority Status on the Common Waiting List will generally receive one offer. If it is refused, then Priority Status will be reviewed and may be withdrawn.

Key Points for Existing CCHA Tenants

  • If you are a CCHA tenant and you need to move urgently due to risk:
    Please contact your Neighbourhood Manager to discuss your Common Waiting List application.
  • If you’re a current CCHA tenant and you want to move:
    If you have previously applied for accommodation via the Common Waiting List at any time in the past, you will have been given a reference number. You must use this reference number to login to the Welcome to Housing application  portal under ‘Existing Applicants and Tenants.’ If you can’t remember your reference number, contact us and we will be able to remind you. Once you’ve submitted your Common Waiting List application to Cardiff Council, they will contact us to let us know. We will then contact you to conduct an interview to double check your application, check your tenancy details, and find out why you would like to move.
  • If you want to swap your home:
    If you want to swap your home (also known as a mutual exchange), you’ll need to register on HomeSwapper This allows you to swap your home with another Council or Housing Association tenant anywhere in the UK. If you’re a CCHA tenant, we will pay your registration fee for HomeSwapper. Once registered, you find a suitable property, and all parties are happy to swap, let us know so we can provide permission to exchange and arrange all the relevant paperwork.
  • If you’re a current CCHA tenant and you’ve received an offer of alternative accommodation:
    All properties are subject to inspection before we proceed with an offer. If the inspection is failed, we will let you know what needs to be put right in order to pass the inspection (e.g. outstanding repairs that are tenant responsibility.) Please be aware that if this inspection is failed, we may withdraw the offer for alternative accommodation.
  • If you’re a CCHA tenant with rent arrears and are seeking to move:
    25% of the arrears must be paid off, or you must make consistent repayments over a 13 week period.

 

Final Points

  • If you’re applying for a home:
    If you have a history of rent arrears, a history of antisocial behaviour, a criminal record, or have immigration status, additional checks will be carried out which may add time to the process.
  • Our homes are let subject to availability, and allocated to those in housing need according to their position and priority on the Common Waiting List. We’re not able to predict the waiting time between applying for the Common Waiting List and being allocated a home. However, we will always contact you directly if a vacant property is identified as suitable for you.
  • We can allocate by area only and are unable to provide specific properties.
  • Homeless and Immediate Band applicants are allowed one offer only. General Applicants are allowed two offers only. Your application may be withdrawn from the Common Waiting List if you exceed the number of allowed offers. You can submit an appeal against this decision directly to Cardiff Council.
Two tenants wait outside their new home with a pushchair. A housing officer, holding a clipboard, is smiling at the camera whilst stood in front of a front door.

CCHA are on hand to help you every step of the way when it comes to settling in and living in your new home. From our customer services team to our money support team, you have everyone you need to help you make the best of your home.