Information on how the authority helps people access secure, suitable and affordable homes within North Tyneside
Our updated Lettings Policy will officially come into effect from 8 September 2026.
The updated policy has been shaped through consultation with residents, service users and stakeholders and has been approved by Cabinet. Feedback received during the consultation process reflected the changing housing landscape across the borough and there was strong support for the policy's overall direction.
The revised policy strengthens how we prioritise and support those in the greatest housing need. While the overall number of priority bands remains unchanged, there is now a clearer distinction between applicants with an identified housing need and those who are seeking to move home by choice. We continue to encourage all applicants to consider all housing options available to them, across different tenure types and different locations.
It delivers a range of benefits, including greater clarity for applicants, more effective management of housing demand, and stronger alignment with wider housing priorities across the borough. Introducing the policy now will ensure residents can benefit from these improvements without further delay.
Under the updated arrangements, applicants placed in the highest priority bands will be reviewed regularly to ensure they are actively applying for suitable properties that reflect their assessed housing need. We also recognise that some customers may take longer to apply for housing opportunities due to personal circumstances or preferences, and these situations will continue to be considered appropriately.
The demand for housing far exceeds the number of homes available. The changes are designed to strengthen how we prioritise and support those in the greatest housing need, as we encourage all applicants to consider their range of housing options, including those outside of North Tyneside Homefinder.
You can download and view the full policy below
Residents, service users and stakeholders all gave feedback during consultation. The policy was then approved by cabinet.
All housing applicants who were already active on North Tyneside Homefinder will remain active.
Your assessed housing need will be aligned with the appropriate banding in the updated policy. You will have receive an email confirming this and can also login to your Homefinder account.
All housing applications, including those already active, will be assessed in accordance with the updated policy. We have contacted applicants who are waiting to have their application assessed to advise that they can request for their application to be closed if they no longer require housing through North Tyneside Homefinder.
If there has been a change in your housing circumstances since your band was originally assessed, please log in to your Homefinder application and update your information. You should also provide any supporting evidence, such as medical or support letters, so that we can carry out a full assessment of your current circumstances.
Visit the North Tyneside Homefinder site
If there have been no changes, then your band is correct in accordance with the Lettings Policy and there is no right of appeal.
As we continue to support applicants who are in greatest housing need, provision has been made in the policy to restrict access to the register and available homes.
It is recognised that housing applicants who are not assessed as being in priority need are unlikely to secure a home through North Tyneside Homefinder. Therefore, we may restrict these new applicants from joining the housing register or being able to bid on available homes.
We encourage all housing applicants to consider other housing options. This includes all tenure types, such as private rented accommodation, as well as housing in all areas.
The website will be unavailable for one day on Tuesday 8th September 2026. This is for both customers and staff, meaning that the Homefinder Team will be unable to answer any specific queries on this day.
If you are at immediate risk of Homelessness, please contact Homeless Prevent team as a priority on 0800 011 6511. You may still have to complete a Housing application, but can do so from 9th September 2026 onwards.