Social Housing in Rother

In this section you will find information about social housing in Rother, how to register, how   the Sussex Homemove scheme works and the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

  1. How to apply for social housing and Sussex Homemove scheme
  2. Documents needed for your Rother Homemove application
  3. Rother Housing Allocations Scheme
  4. Social housing information and waiting times
  5. Housing for older people/sheltered accommodation
  6. Swapping your social housing home through Mutual Exchange
  7. Social Housing FAQs

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How to apply for social housing and Sussex Homemove scheme

What is the Sussex Homemove Scheme?

Sussex Homemove, also known as the Housing Register or choice based lettings, is the scheme that Rother District Council uses to advertise social housing properties available in Rother. 

Eligible applicants bid for properties they are interested in via the Sussex Homemove website

Applicants registered with Rother will only be able to bid for properties that fall within in the Rother district council area, except in rare cases where a property is advertised cross boundary (meaning it will be open to applicants in Rother, Wealden and Hastings).

In order to bid, you will need to make an online application and submit evidence so we can verify your case. 

Applicants need to meet the eligibility and qualifying criteria, as well as have a local connection to the Rother area.

This criteria can be found in the Housing Allocations Scheme

Eligible applicants are assessed according to their current housing and it’s suitability, as laid out in the policy, and cases are prioritised for housing according to their assessed housing need.

How do I apply?

Please click the link below to complete an online pre-assessment to see if you are eligible for social housing.   

If you are eligible you will then be able to complete the housing online application form.  

At the end of the online application form you will also be asked to upload your supporting documents. Your application will be assessed once we have received all your supporting documents. This will take up to twelve weeks.  

If you need help to complete the online form please call our Customer Services contact centre on 01424 787000  

Documents needed for your Rother Homemove application

If you are making a new application you will need to provide supporting documents so we can verify your case and assess your housing need. 

If you already have a live application you can upload the evidence to support your change via your sussex homemove account. 

If you have changed address you will need to complete a change of circumstances form as well. 

Supporting Documents

Identification

  • Proof of ID for each family member included on your application – A copy of Birth Certificate or Passport 
  • If your name has changed since birth we will need to see a copy of official Deed Poll documentation or if through marriage, a copy of your marriage certificate.

Accommodation – Evidence of where you currently reside

  •  A Tenancy Agreement
  • A Licence Agreement – If living on a caravan site or in a hostel
  • A Letter Confirming Current Living Arrangements – If living with friends or family
  • A Valuation of Property for Home Owners

Income – Proof of Income for each family member included on your application

  • Your Last 3 Payslips (If paid Monthly)
  • Your Last 5 Payslips (If paid Weekly)
  • Your Benefits Award Letter
  • Details of any payments from an Occupational Pension

Immigration

Official Documentation from the Home Office confirming your current Immigration Status.

Adding Children

  • Child Benefit Award Letter
  • Tax Credits Award Letter or
  • A Joint Court Order which confirms the custody arrangements for your child. Or alternatively a Solicitor’s Letter that confirms the extent to which you look after your child.

Please provide any additional information which is relevant to your housing need. See our FAQs for the most frequently asked questions

Rother Housing Allocations Scheme

The Housing Allocations Policy is the criteria we use to prioritise applications for social housing and the procedures that will be followed. It also explains who will and who will not be assisted, how to apply for housing and how homes will be allocated.

Social Housing Information and Waiting Times

Social housing

Rother does not own any council housing.

Social housing in the district is owned and managed by Registered Providers (Housing Associations) and are let at relatively low rents. 

These properties are available via the Sussex Homemove scheme.

If you would like a social housing property you need to apply to join the Council’s Housing Register.

If you are eligible you will be able to bid on properties through the Sussex Homemove website.

How long will I have to wait for social housing?

Demand for social housing in Rother is high and far outweighs the supply. 

Unfortunately we cannot advise how long it may take before you would receive an offer as there are a number of variables. It is important to note that the Homemove scheme is not a waiting list but is based on housing needs.

The waiting time for an allocation of social housing varies according to the type of property you require, the availability of property, your housing need and who else on the register bids.

The following table lists all the lettings during 2023:

Type / SizeBand A – Number of letsBand A – Longest waitBand B – Number of letsBand B – Longest waitBand C – Number of letsBand C – Longest waitBand D – Number of letsBand D – Longest wait
Sheltered accommodation166 years931 months513 months00
Studio general needs*113 months00000 0
1 bed general needs*2123 months77 years116 months00
2 bed flat/maisonette*2311 months24 years26 months00
2 bed house2726 months224 months000 0
3 bed flat/maisonette0000000 0
3 bed house114 years15 years000 0
4 bed house28 years00000 0
5 bed house0000000
Total Per Band101 21 8 0 

How many people are on the waiting list?

On 1st January 2024 the total number of households waiting for a property was 1918.

The total number of properties let through Sussex Homemove from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 was 130.

The table below shows the numbers by bedroom need in each band as 1st January 2024:

Band1 Bed*2 Bed*3 Bed4 Bed**5 Bed**6 Bed or more**
A11587481712
B15615110250104
C3401061293840
D27820965410
Total All
Bands
889553344109166

Housing for older people / sheltered accommodation

There are a number of schemes across Rother which cater specifically for the over 55’s and several sheltered schemes offering independent living. 

Sheltered schemes are generally for applicants aged sixty or over  who  wish to retain their independence but may prefer a smaller, easier to manage, self-contained home. 

Sheltered housing is usually a one or two-bed self-contained apartment, each with their own kitchen, bathroom and front door. Some studio apartments are also available. 

These vacancies are advertised via the Sussex Homemove scheme. 

If you need help to bid for properties you can ask to be set up for automatic bidding. 

You just need to tell us the type of property you require and the area you would like to consider and bids will be automatically placed on your behalf. 

Extra Care Housing

Extra Care housing is independent living, generally for older people aged 60+, who have a  range of care and support needs.  

Residents have access to 24 hour on site care and support with the aim to provide an independent home for life so that residents don’t have to move into residential care and allowing them to retain their independence. 

In general to be eligible for extra care housing applicants must: 

  • Be 60 or over or assessed as requiring this service 
  • have a housing need 
  • have clear care and support needs as assessed by East Sussex Social Services 

If you would like to be considered for extra care housing in Rother please contact East Sussex Adult Social Care 

Phone: 0345 60 80 191 (open 8am to 8pm 7 days a week including bank holidays) 

Email: Health and Social Care Connect 

If you are interested in St Bartholomew’s Court in Rye please see the Sanctuary Retirement Living website or call 01797 226233

Swapping your social housing home through Mutual Exchange

If you’re already living in social housing, an easy way to relocate is to swap your home with another social housing tenant. You can do this through the Mutual Exchange process.  

There are various websites that assist with this, for example Home SwapperHouse Exchange or Exchange Locata.  

These services match properties with tenants who want to swap houses across the country and can often be the easiest and quickest way to do this.  

You will need your landlord’s permission to swap.  

The Mutual Exchange process is not managed by Rother District Council.  

When you find a person who is prepared to swap their social housing home for yours, you will need to contact your Registered Provider (Housing Association). They will assist you in arranging the Mutual Exchange. 

Social Housing FAQs

Please visit our social housing FAQ page

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