Most people in Northern Ireland are allowed to apply for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association. You won't usually be allowed to apply for permanent accommodation if you are under 18, you are seeking asylum in Northern Ireland or the Housing Executive decides your behaviour has been unacceptable.

General rules

The Housing Executive and most housing associations use the same application form. The Housing Executive will assess you and place you on the waiting list in less than 28 days. How long you have to wait for a house depends on your circumstances. More

Who can apply?

Most people in Northern Ireland can apply for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association. You may not be allowed to apply if you are a foreign national or the Housing Executive decides that you are guilty of unacceptable behaviour. More

Disqualification from applying

The Housing Executive or a housing association can refuse to accept your application for permanent accommodation because of your behaviour in the last two years. You can be disqualified for up to two years (or six years in debt cases). Most asylum seekers are not eligible to apply. More

Restrictions to your choice of area

You can choose which areas you want to live in. You may have different rights if you have been intimidated out of your home or you have been convicted or charged with sexual abuse of children. More