Other Housing Options

Anyone over 16 who is permanently resident in the U.K can apply for a home with us.  The information below explains how to do this.

How do I apply for a home with Taff?

From the 1st January 2009, Taff became a member of the 'Common Waiting List for Cardiff' (sometimes this is called the 'Common Register') . This means that from this date, anyone who applies for housing anywhere in Cardiff will only have to complete one application form, and will be registered on one waiting list which will be centrally managed by Cardiff Council. All of our vacant properties are now allocated from this central waiting list. 

Please click here to download an application form. and click here to download the guidance notes for applicants.

Common Waiting List – What is it?

• A single application and assessment process for everyone applying for social housing in Cardiff

• One waiting list for everyone waiting for accommodation in Cardiff

• All housing associations and the Council will allocate from the same list and use the same allocations criteria

• The Council will manage the list on behalf of the all the housing associations

What will it mean for me?

• You will only have to complete one application form in order to be registered on the waiting list for all social housing in Cardiff

• There will only be one assessment process

• All housing associations will allocate properties according to the same Allocations Policy, so this will make the whole process easier to understand

• Once you are registered on the list you can be considered for housing anywhere in Cardiff, regardless of who the landlord is

What do I need to do?

To be registered on the Common Waiting List you need to fill in an application form. The application form should be returned to:
 
Common Waiting List
Rehousing Unit
Cardiff County Council
PO Box 364
Cardiff
CF11 1BW
 
The Rehousing Unit will assess your application and will write to you within 21 days to advise you if your application has been successful.  The Rehousing Unit will also write to you if they need further information in order to assess your application.

If you would like assistance with completing the form, please contact our Allocations Team on 02920 259121 or 02920 259141 or alternatively call into Reception where we will be happy to assist you.

How will my application form be assessed?

You must answer all the questions on the form because this information will be used to work out your housing priority.

Your application will be assessed by awarding you a 'priority status' or a 'points score'.  Your status or points score will depend upon your particular circumstances.  You can be awarded points, for example, if you are homeless or if you are suffering from anti-social behaviour. In most cases, those with the greatest priority or points score will be allocated any vacant properties. If you would like further information about how your application will be assessed please contact our Allocations Team on 02920 259121 or 02920 259141 for a copy of the Allocations Policy. (This will be available as a link on the wesite shortly).  Alternatively you can contact the Rehousing Unit at Cardiff County Council on 02920 537032 or 02920 537033.

What if I am already a Taff tenant?

You will still need to complete the Common Waiting List application form and return it to the Rehousing Unit at Cardiff County Council.  If you only wish to be considered for a Taff property please make this clear on your application form.  We will allocate 10% of vacant properties to existing Taff tenants who wish to transfer.  In order to transfer to another Taff property you must have no outstanding rent arrears or other debts, and no other outstanding tenancy breaches.  Your property will be inspected prior to any offer of accomodation. If you would like further information about applying for a transfer please follow this link.

What if I don't get on the list?

In certain circumstances, for example, if you have a history of criminal offences or anti-social behaviour, your application will be referred to the 'Cardiff Exclusions Panel'.  This panel is made up of representatives from the Council, the housing associations and the probation services.  The panel will consider your circumstances and decide whether your application can be registered on the waiting list.  You will be advised in writing of the decision.  You will be given details about how to appeal if you do not agree with the decision.  If your application is suspended from the waiting list, you will be advised how long the suspension will last, and when you can re-apply.  If your application is accepted, you may be required to meet certain criteria, for example your application may be accepted for certain parts of the city only.

If you are currently, or have previously been a tenant of the Council or a housing association, your current/previous landlord/s will be asked for a reference.  If you have any outstanding arrears, or other tenancy breaches (eg damage to the property), you will be asked to rectify these breaches before any offer of accommodation is made to you.

Making an offer of accommodation

If we are able to offer you a home we will contact you by telephone, and we will follow this with a formal offer in writing.  You must contact us within 2 days of receiving this offer to let us know if you are interested in veiwing the property.  If you do not contact us within this timescale we may offer the property to someone else. You will be given the opportunity to view the property before you make a decision.

What if I refuse an offer of accommodation?

Please tell us straight away if you do not want the house we have offered you.  Generally, if you have been made three reasonable offers and you have refused them all without a good reason, your name may be removed from the waiting list.  If this happens and you think think the decision is unfair, you can apeal against this decision.  You will need to contact the Rehousing Unit on 02920 537032 or 02920 537033 if you wish to appeal.

Disabled applicants

If you have limited mobility or other disabilities, and therefore need adapted accommodation, you should still complete the Common Waiting List application form, but ensure that you tick the box stating you require adapted accommodation. You should return the form to:

Rehousing Unit, Cardiff County Council, PO Box 364, Cardiff, CF11 1BW

You will then be registered onto the Cardiff Accessible Homes Register.  This is a housing waiting list specifically for people who require adapted accommodation, and will match your requirements to available properties.   You can obtain information about the Cardiff Accessible Homes Register by calling 02920 468408, e-mailing CAH@ccha.org.uk or Click this link to visit the Cardiff Accessible Homes website for further information.

Other Housing Options

Please follow this link to view other housing options, such as private renting, or what to do if you want to move out of Cardiff.

If you would like to discuss housing options with a member of staff please contact our Allocations Team on 02920 259121 or 02920 259141 who will be happy to assist you.  .

If you would like to apply for accommodation in one of our hostels please see the Specialist housing section of this website.