Reminder for Housing Register applicants ahead of September policy changes

Dorset Council is reminding people on the Housing Register to renew their application before the new Housing Allocations Policy comes into effect on 1 September 2026.

The Housing Register is used to assess and prioritise applications for social housing in Dorset.

Under the new policy, existing Housing Register applicants are being asked to renew their application so the council can assess their circumstances against the updated criteria.

Applicants who join the Housing Register from 1 September 2026 do not need to renew, as their application will be assessed under the new policy.

Since May, the council has contacted applicants through their customer portal and by text message, asking them to check their details and confirm any changes in their circumstances.

Almost 50 per cent of the housing register applicants have already completed the process, and anyone who has not yet responded is encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Applicants do not need to submit a new Housing Register application. For most people, renewing is a simple process of reviewing their information and updating any changes.

People will continue to be able to bid for available homes while renewals are being processed.

If an applicant is successful in bidding for a property, any outstanding renewal will need to be resolved before the application can progress. Completing a renewal promptly can help avoid delays if a suitable home becomes available.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

"Thank you to everyone who has already renewed their Housing Register application. Around half of applicants have now completed the process.

"If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes to complete your renewal and check that your details are up to date.

Although not all renewals will be assessed by 1 September, applicants will still be able to bid for properties while assessments are ongoing. Completing your renewal now will help avoid delays if you are successful in bidding for a home."

The new Housing Allocations Policy introduces a new banding system, updated financial assessments and revised local connection requirements. The changes are designed to provide a clearer and more consistent approach to allocating social housing across Dorset and to ensure available homes are prioritised for those with the greatest housing need.

Anyone who needs help renewing their application or updating their details can contact the Housing Register team at [email protected]  for support.

For more information about Housing Register renewals and the new Housing Allocations Policy, visit the Housing Register renewal and band changes page on the Dorset Council website.