Apply for accommodation
When Apex offers secure tenancies it allocates its accommodation through the Common Selection Scheme which was developed by the Department of Social Development (DSD).
The Common Selection Scheme represents a single gateway into social housing in N. Ireland, let on a permanent basis, whether owned and managed by the Housing Executive or any housing associations operating in N. Ireland. These bodies are known as Participating Landlords. The scheme provides a ‘One Stop Shop’ for applicants and promotes equitable treatment by using common criteria to assess the housing needs of all applicants.
Applying from within Northern Ireland?
If you are applying for housing and currently live in Northern Ireland, please download the Housing/Transfer Application form or obtain a form from any Housing Executive office or Housing Association office, by telephoning or calling into the office.
- Download the Housing/Transfer Application form
- Or contact the Housing Executive on 03448 920 900 to apply by phone.
If you think you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless you should contact the Housing Executive as soon as possible on 03448 920 900. Homelessness is dealt with through the Housing Executive Area Offices or in the case of Belfast through the Housing Executive’s dedicated Homelessness Services Unit.
What if I live outside Northern Ireland?
Your eligibility for housing in Northern Ireland and your housing needs will be assessed in the same way as any other applicant. However, as the Housing Executive cannot carry out a visit, you will need to complete the Housing Transfer application and Self-Assessment form.
Download the Housing/Transfer Application form
What to do next
Please return the completed form to the Housing Executive office responsible for the area where you live, or return it to your nearest housing association office that will send it to the correct office.
How your application is assessed
You will be assessed by the Housing Executive and if eligible, you may be awarded points according to your housing need. Your position on the waiting list is based on the points you receive. Points are awarded under four categories:
- Intimidation – points may be awarded if you are at serious and imminent risk, and require immediate rehousing.
- Insecurity of Tenure – if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The level of points depends on your particular circumstances.
- Housing Conditions – points may be awarded for poor housing circumstances both in terms of physical conditions and the degree of sharing/overcrowding being experienced.
- Health/Social Well Being Assessment – points may be awarded for a range of health and social well-being circumstances. These include issues in relation to mobility in your existing home as well as any social, support and care needs you may have.
Points awarded under any of these categories will decide your position on the waiting list. You will be informed of your points total in writing.
