Apply to join the housing register

Cherwell HomeChoice
Checklist of documents required for British Citizens 

The following documents can be uploaded to your housing register application via HomeChoice and are required before we're able to activate an application. We may also require additional information or documents to verify your housing circumstances and local connection to Cherwell.

1. Identification

Photo identification required for main and joint applicant:

• Passport, or
• Driving licence or
• Biometric residence permit

For all other household members including children, either provide one of these documents or their full birth certificate.

2. Evidence of dependent children

• Child benefit award letter dated within the last 12 months showing the child's name

And

• If you are in receipt of UC, provide a screen shot dated within the last 3 months showing your child element.

In some cases, we may also require a copy of the children’s birth certificates, a recent bank statement, or older child benefit/tax credit award letters.

3. Proof of address 

Any 2 of the following:

• Tenancy agreement
• Driving licence
• Utility bill dated within the last 3 months (gas, electric or water)
• Council tax bill
• The most recent full month bank statement

If you are not living at a settled address or lodging, this list may also include a recently dated:

• Mobile phone statement
• Benefit/pension award letter/screenshot
• Lodging agreement
• Payslips
• Doctors/medical letter

4. Proof of income and capital

The most recent award letter showing entitlement to an income-based benefit (or screenshots of UC displaying your name and breakdown of entitlement) for all adults 18 or over in the household.

• Income based benefits include 
  • Universal Credit (UC)
  • Income Support
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Guarantee Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit

If no income-based benefit is received, evidence of all income and savings and investments is required, including:

• Last 2 months’ payslips or 4 weeks’ if paid weekly or, if self-employed your most recent tax return or certified accounts.

And

• The most recent benefit and tax credit award letter for all benefits received, and
• The most recent full month bank statement (not screen shots) for all adults (aged 18 or over) for all accounts held including savings accounts, stocks, bonds, shares and unit trusts, and
• Evidence of private pension.

Note:  If you do not receive an income-based benefit you must supply the last full month bank statement of all accounts held (please note that screen shots of bank statement pages will not be accepted).

Checklist of documents required for Non-British or Irish Citizens

As well as the information on page 1 you must also provide the following documents:

This page was updated on 7 Oct 2026 - V4.0