Social rented housing provision and management

Social rented housing is provided at an affordable rent by NIHE or a Registered Housing Association (RHA); that is, one which is registered and regulated by DfC as a social housing provider. Social rented accommodation should be available to households in housing need and is offered in accordance with the Common Selection Scheme, administered by the NIHE, which prioritises households who are living in unsuitable or insecure accommodation. Social housing development is controlled within financial parameters, set out by DfC under their Total Cost Indicators (TCIs). Social rented housing can only be assigned to applicants registered on the common waiting list, in accordance with the Common Selection Scheme, in priority of need and must be controlled and managed by a RHA. Where there is a need for social housing identified by NIHE, proposals should incorporate an appropriate mix of social rented housing in terms of size and type of unit to meet the identified need. Proposals should also seek to provide other forms of affordable housing as required to contribute to balanced and sustainable communities.