How to apply
You use the Selection Scheme to apply for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association. Current Housing Executive or housing association tenants use the transfer or exchange procedure to get new accommodation.
Housing association and Housing Executive accommodation is known as social housing. There is one waiting list for social housing. When you apply first for social housing, your name goes on the waiting list.
The length of time you have to wait for accommodation depends on how many points you are awarded, which areas you choose to live in and the size and type of accommodation you need.
How the scheme works
Use the Housing/Transfer Application Form to apply for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association. If you are currently a Housing Executive or housing association tenant you should apply for a transfer or exchange instead of using the Selection Scheme. More 
Completing your application
The Housing Executive uses one form for both requesting and transferring accommodation - the Housing/Transfer Application Form. This is also the form you use to apply to your local Housing Association. You could be evicted if you gain a house using incorrect or false information. More
What happens next?
Everyone who applies for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association is assessed using the same scheme. The Housing Executive will assess your application and award you points based on your personal circumstances. The more points you get the higher up the waiting list you are placed. The assessment process has four stages. More
Applying to live outside NI
If you are a Housing Executive or housing association tenant and have your landlord's permission you can use the website Homeswapper to look for a transfer outside of Northern Ireland. If you are not a Housing Executive or housing association tenant you must apply to the council in the area you want to live in. More
Applying from outside NI
You will only be able to apply for permanent accommodation in Northern Ireland if you meet the rules on eligibility. More
