From 23 December 2024, we will no longer be accepting new applications to join our housing register as we continue our work to integrate with Sanctuary. However, we would still welcome your application so please visit Sanctuary’s ‘Rent a home’ web page if you wish to apply for housing from this date. If you are already registered, your application will continue to be considered. Further information will be shared in the new year about changes to the process after 31 January 2025.

We hope you can find everything you need to know when applying for housing with us, through our frequently asked questions below.

How do I apply to join the housing register?

It’s easy to register online – all you need is an email and a password.  Simply click 'create an account' to get started. The browser we recommend using is Chrome.

What if I don’t have an email address?

It’s very easy and free to set up an email account – use our handy step-by-step guide. Alternatively, if you have a family member or other trusted person who can manage your account for you, they can register on your behalf using their email address.

Top Tip: If someone is creating an account for you using their own email address, they must enter your name (not their own name) on the very first screen:  *All notifications about your account will be sent to the email address used to register.

I don’t have access to the internet, how do I register?

Many libraries have computers where you can access the internet, often for free. To do this, you usually need to book a slot first.

If you or your trusted person are having difficulty completing the online form, we can help you register - please call us on 0345 305 5335. If we are unable to help you when you call, we will arrange a call back as soon as possible. Please refer to ‘What information will I need to register?’ below, before you call.

If you have previously registered by phone and now wish to register online, please call our Customer Experience Team on 0345 305 5335 who will sort this for you.  Please have your email address at hand when you call.

What information will I need to register?

It’s a good idea to gather any information you will need to complete the form before you start. You will need:

• Your unique code (printed on your re-registration letter) – this will ensure that you do not lose your original registration date from when you first registered under the old system.
• Names and dates of birth for everyone on the application.
• National Insurance numbers for everyone on the application aged 16 years and over.
• Details of all the places you (and any joint applicant) have lived in the past 5 years:
  • Full address including postcode
  • Date moved in
  • Date moved out
  • Landlord addresses, email and phone numbers.
• Details of your household’s combined savings.
• Details of any housing related debts with your current or a previous landlord.

You will not be able to complete some parts of the form without this information.

How long will it take to register?

If you are applying on your own and have all of your information to hand (see above for what you will need), the registration process will take about 15 minutes to complete. If there are more people moving with you, it will take a bit longer. You don’t need to complete the form in one go, you can fill it in in stages by saving as you go – just remember to submit the form when you have finished.

I've registered but haven’t received the confirmation email

When registering, we send you an email with a link to click, so you can verify your account and complete the application form. If you didn’t receive this email, please check your spam/junk folder as it could be in there. If you still can’t find it, it could be that you have entered your email address incorrectly. If you think this has happened, the simplest thing to do is to re-register with the correct email address. 

Will I need to provide any documentation to support my application?

Depending on your reason for moving, we may ask you to provide evidence of your current circumstances so that we can properly assess how urgently you need to move.

What happens if I do not provide the required documents?

You have 21 days to provide any evidence requested, during which time your housing application will remain in a 'pending' state until we receive it. If we don't receive the documentation within 21 days, your application will be made active but you will not receive any extra priority.

Where do I need to send any supporting evidence?

The easiest and quickest way to get documents to us is by uploading them to your online account. You will receive an email advising that you have an action to complete on your account. The email will contain a link to the site, making it quick and easy for you to log in and complete the action.

Simply choose the file you wish to upload and click upload and complete action . We will review the documentation and confirm if we require any further action from you before activating your application.

Alternatively, you can post documents to us at Johnnie Johnson Housing, Astra House, Spinners Lane, Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1GA. Please do not send originals as we cannot return anything sent to us by post. 

What are Housing Need Bands?

We use Bands to assess your level of housing need. Your current housing circumstances will be assessed and you will be given the Band which reflects how urgently you need to move. There is a section on the website that explains the different Bands in more detail.

How do you prioritise applicants?

We group applicants into housing bands when we determine their housing need. 

What is an ‘Effective Date’?

Every registered applicant is given an ‘Effective Date’. In most cases this will be the date that we first received your application. However, if your circumstances change and you move into a different Band, your Effective Date will change to the date that you are awarded the new Band.

I've submitted an online housing application, what happens next?

Once you have submitted your application and provided any supporting information requested, we aim to process your application within 21 days. Once we have processed your application we will let you know what Housing Need Band you have been placed in, your Effective Date and the size of property you are eligible for.

What do I do if my circumstances change?

Having an online account makes it really quick and easy for you to update your application as and when things change. It is very important that you tell us about any changes in your circumstances as it may affect your Housing Need Band. If you don’t tell us about any changes, it might make you ineligible for some properties.

How do I know my details are safe?

We are committed to keeping your information safe and secure, in line with our privacy policy, which can be found here. Please ensure that you read the privacy policy before completing your application form.

What if I forget my password?

Don’t worry, you can use the forgotten password link on the login page; you’ll receive an email and a link to instructions on how to update your password.

What if I’ve changed my email address since I created my account?

If you no longer use the same email address you used when you registered, you’ll need to update your details in the My Profile section of your account.

What if I have further questions?

Visit the website, contact us on general.enquiries@jjhousing.co.uk or call us on 0345 305 5335. Please be aware that there may be a longer wait if you call.

What else should I do?

If you have not already done so, you should also register with the local authority so that you can ‘bid’ for Johnnie Johnson properties via their Choice Based Lettings system.