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You can apply for a transfer if you want to move to another Housing Executive or housing association home. You will be assessed and pointed using the Selection Scheme. You will usually only be allowed to apply if you pass five criteria.
Who can apply for a transfer?
Most Housing Executive and housing association tenants are allowed to apply for a transfer. You must fill in a  Housing And Transfer Application Form. This form is available from the Housing Executive, your housing association or you can download it. You will usually only be allowed to apply if you pass all five criteria:
- you have been a Housing Executive or housing association tenant at the same property for at least two years
- you owe less than four weeks rent
- your accommodation is in good repair
- you don't owe the Housing Executive or your housing association money for previous damages
- you haven't broken the terms of your tenancy agreement
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What if I am from outside NI?
You must full in the 'Housing / Transfer Application Form For Applicants Oustide NI'.
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What are the exceptions?
You will be eligible for a transfer even if you do not pass the four criteria if the Housing Executive has decided you are homeless, and has given you Full Duty Applicant status. You may be eligible for a transfer if:
- you have been given 'Other homeless' points on the Selection Scheme
- you have been given points in the Health/Social Well Being section of the Selection Scheme, or the Housing Executive thinks you should transfer on health or social grounds
- you are living in shared accommodation and want to move to accommodation by yourself
- you can't afford to pay your rent and heating
- the Housing Executive or housing association thinks it is a good idea for you to transfer. For example, your house is too big for your needs
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What happens then?
After you return your completed 'Housing Transfer Form' you will be assessed and pointed by the Housing Executive using the Selection Scheme.
You may get up to 30 extra points if your accommodation is too big for your needs. The Housing Executive will give you:
- 10 points for every extra bedroom
- 10 points for every extra living room
After the Housing Executive has pointed your transfer you will be placed on the waiting list for accommodation. The length of time you will spend on the waiting list depends on
- the amount of points you have
- the area you want to transfer to
- when the accommodation you need will become available
There are a number of areas where demand for permanent accommodation is lower. You may be able to transfer to one of these areas more quickly.
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Do I have to go on the waiting list?
You will usually have to go on the waiting list for permanent accommodation. You may not have to wait if the Housing Executive or housing association decides to transfer you. This only happens in very limited circumstances. For example, the Housing Executive or housing association may decide to transfer you if:
- the Housing Executive has decided you are a Full Duty Applicant, or
- you are having serious problems with your neighbours and the Housing Executive thinks moving you would solve the problems, or
- you must be transferred because the area is being redeveloped
Get advice if the Housing Executive or your housing association is not allowing you to apply for a transfer. Advice is available from Housing Rights Service.
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