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Housing is an important issue within Horsham District and the Council is committed to providing housing options and support for those most in need: from providing more affordable housing to ensuring that there is provision for those being made homeless during the current economic downturn. 

Housing Register
The Council's Housing Services Department plays a key role in meeting the housing needs of the District.  We manage the Housing Register and nominate households to our Registered Partners that have properties in the District.  On this site you will find our nominations policy and details of our drop-in service.

Changes from the 1 April 2013

Horsham District Council’s new Housing Register and Nominations Policy came into effect on 1 April 2013. The new policy is based on the results of a public consultation exercise which took place between June and September 2012 but also reflects the government’s priorities and the Council's corporate objectives. The overwhelming majority of respondents to the consultation expressed the view that social and affordable rented housing should be allocated to local people and that priority should be accorded to those who are working but on a low income. Respondents also felt that certain categories of people such as homeowners and people with rent arrears should not be allowed onto the Housing Register. The changes made to the Housing Register and Nominations Policy reflect these views and have been approved by councillors. For the Council’s Housing Register and Nominations Policy, please click here.

Updated Housing Register and Nominations Policy

We have reviewed and updated the Housing Register and Nominations Policy to reflect changes in housing need. The Council is required to amend policy on a regular basis to take account of legislative changes or new guidance. The main amendments are:

1. to take into account the new Code of Guidance issued by Communities and Local Government in 2008 and subsequent guidance issued by CLG
2. to refine the banding system to allow a better assessment of complex housing need
3. to reflect high need where applicants are not homeless
4. to make clearer the type of accommodation for which applicants are eligible and to explain the occupancy of double bedroomed accommodation and;
5. to deal with the process to be applied where applicants are found intentionally homeless

In line with guidance from the Secretary of State in April 2009, the revised policy also ensures that applicants who need to move to suitable adapted accommodation because of a serious injury, medical condition or disability which he or she, or a member of their household, sustained as a result of service in the Armed Forces, are given reasonable preference.

We are responsible for developing the District's Housing Strategies. Our current housing strategy has expired. We have prepared a range of new strategies and polices to take us to 2015. Please click on the links to view the documents.

Housing Strategy 2013-15

Homelessness Prevention Action Plan 2013-15

Tenacy Strategy 2013-15

The Strategies and Policies are working documents, and having been adopted, will be continually monitored with annual updates.

We invite you to comment on the Strategies and Policies at any time.

Please click on the links to see each strategy and policy. If you would like to comment on the drafts, please contact:

Andrew Smith, Housing Services Manager, Horsham District Council.
Tel: 01403 215202
Email: andrew.smith@horsham.gov.uk

New Developments
The link above gives details of new rented and shared ownership developments which are due to be completed within the coming months.

Community Link
We provide a range of assistive technology that helps you remain in your own home and maintain your independence with peace of mind and reduced feeling of isolation.

We also work with a range of organizations in the community that offer advice and support to remain in your own home.  Advice can be provided on issues such as debt, managing your money, rights and welfare. 
If you would like to speak to one of the Housing Team, please contact the Council’s Housing Options Advisory service on (01403) 215560.
Housing Services Team
Park North
North Street, Horsham
West Sussex, RH12 1RL Tel: (01403) 215560
Fax: (01403) 215243
E-mail: housing@horsham.gov.uk

Empty Homes Strategy

Empty properties are a wasted resource, especially when housing is in such short supply. They can also be targets for crime and anti-social behaviour such as fly tipping. The Empty Homes Strategy aims to bring properties back into use which enhances the whole community.

Homeowners Mortgage Support

Homeowners Mortgage Support (HMS) could help if your household has had a temporary, unexpected drop in income and it’s harder to meet your mortgage repayments. Find out about the help available at www.direct.gov.uk/hms - you could be eligible to delay some of your interest repayments for up to two years.