Finding a home can feel complicated. We want to make it easier for you.
You can apply for a home in two ways:
- Through your local authority lettings platform (for example, Tees Valley Homes Finder)
Find your local authority lettings platform
- Directly through our MyThirteen portal
We recommend signing up to both My Thirteen and your local authority lettings platform to maximise the number of homes available to you.
Frequently asked questions
We’re here to answer your frequently asked questions about our application process.
How are your homes allocated?
We work closely with local authorities to meet housing needs.
- At least 50% of our homes are advertised and allocated through local authority lettings platforms.
- The rest are advertised on MyThirteen.
- Each local authority has its own lettings policy. Please check the policy before bidding for a home.
Some new build sites may also have a local lettings policy with extra criteria.
What is a nomination?
A nomination means the local authority tells us who to allocate a property to, based on their priority banding.
- The local authority advertises the property on their platform.
- They then provide us with the nomination, following their lettings policy.
- For new build developments, 100% of homes are usually allocated through nominations. Over time, this usually reverts to 50%.
How quickly am I likely to be rehoused?
Waiting lists for social and affordable rented homes are long because demand is high.
- Local authorities manage their own waiting lists.
- Sometimes they’ll show where you are on a shortlist, but timescales vary.
- To improve your chances, widen the areas where you’re willing to live.
- Another option is mutual exchange. This lets current social housing tenants swap homes.
How can I apply direct to Thirteen for homes through MyThirteen?
You can apply for homes advertised on our MyThirteen lettings portal.
We’ll advise you on your chances of success based on:
- Your band rating
- How long you’ve been registered
- Our lettings policy explains band ratings and how we allocate homes.
If a property is adapted, we’ll prioritise customers who need those adaptations.
Are there any restrictions on who can be rehoused by Thirteen?
Local authorities set their own rules about who can apply.
We also assess each application individually. We expect:
- No housing debt
- No unspent criminal convictions
- A good track record of managing a tenancy
- We won’t rehouse anyone who has been evicted by us (or a related landlord) for tenancy breaches.
If you’re already a Thirteen customer, you can only transfer after living in your home for 24 months, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Need help?
Call us on 0300 111 1000 or visit your nearest Touchpoint store to speak to our team in person.