Before you register: check if you can join

You can apply to be on the Trafford Home Choice housing register by completing an application form.

The quickest way to do this is to complete the online form by clicking sign in if you already have an account, registering if you are a new applicant or by phoning HOST on 0161 912 5513.

Not everyone can join Trafford Home Choice. You must meet certain rules before you can apply. 

Most applicants must live in Trafford, have close family here, or work here. Some groups are exempt, including people fleeing domestic abuse, care-experienced young people, and people aged 55+ who need sheltered housing.
Applicants may be refused if there is evidence of serious unacceptable behaviour, antisocial behaviour, or repeated tenancy breaches. They may requalify once issues are resolved.
Applicants may not qualify if they owe rent or other housing debt and have not agreed or kept to a repayment plan. Once debt is managed, they may re-apply.
Applicants can be refused if they have high income, savings, equity or own a suitable home they could live in. Applicants with £55,000+ income or £17,000+ savings will normally not be eligible for the Housing Register.
People who have held a social tenancy for less than 12 months normally cannot join unless there has been a serious, evidenced change in circumstances. Social housing means a property rented from a council or a Registered Provider. It does not include private landlords, supported accommodation that is not a formal tenancy, temporary accommodation, hostels, or B&B placements.
If someone refuses a suitable offer of housing, they may be removed from the register for 12 months before they can reapply.
Applicants may be removed if they do not bid, do not renew their application, or do not provide required information when asked.
If someone gives false details or does not provide information needed to assess them, they may be refused or removed until this is corrected.
Applicants must declare any property they own or have an interest in, even if they do not live there or own it jointly with someone else. Under the Housing Allocation Policy, people who own a home they can reasonably live in will not normally qualify for the Housing Register, as homeowners are expected to use their own housing options unless there are exceptional circumstances. HOST will check whether the property is suitable, affordable, and safe, and whether it counts as a financial resource. Any recent sale, equity, or savings must also be declared and may affect eligibility. If an applicant cannot return to a former home due to separation, legal restrictions, domestic abuse, or court orders, HOST will consider this when assessing eligibility.