Housing and accommodation

You are not guaranteed to be given housing. You may be required to find your own short-term accommodation while you apply for housing. This may be through a close friend or relative

You will receive a letter explaining that you will need to leave your Mears accommodation. Now that you are recognised as a refugee, you need to secure your own accommodation.

There are different ways you can secure your own accommodation. Two of the main options are:

Social housing provided by the local authority
Privately rented housing

Different organisations/people can help you depending on which option you choose.

Information you will need to apply for accommodation includes:

Share code/National Insurance number
Your address history
Information on any medical conditions or disabilities
If you have children in school
If you are pregnant
If you're receiving any help from the council

Sunderland City Council's Housing Options Team

The team provides support and advice for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They can help with:

Homelessness Prevention: Offering advice and support to help you stay in your current home or find a new one
Personal Housing Plans: Creating a plan tailored to your needs to help you secure long-term housing.

You can register for housing with Sunderland City Council by completing the online application form

You can contact the Housing Options Team by calling 0800 234 6084 or emailing housingoptions@sunderland.gov.uk

Please report any delays in receiving official confirmation/documentation as soon as possible to your Housing Options Case Worker.

Gentoo - Sunderland's social housing provider

To find a home with Gentoo you will need to register with them and complete a Gentoo application form. You will also need to provide your share code and other information about you.

Once your application is complete, you will be able to start searching and bidding for up to five properties per week to find your new home.

Properties are advertised every Wednesday from 1pm.

You can contact the Gentoo Team by calling 0191 525 5000.

Once you are registered with Gentoo you will be placed into priority band 3. The priority bands identify your level of need:

Band 1 - This is for applicants who are homeless and have an immediate priority need
Band 2 - This is for applicants who may not have a priority need but will depend on the duty you are eligible for
Band 3 - This is for general housing needs and is open to all applicants (including out of city applicants)

Sunderland City Council will also complete a financial assessment to identify if you are able to afford a tenancy. You will be assigned a Homeless Reduction Officer to help you.

Finding housing and accommodation checklist

Have you opened a bank account?
Have you applied for benefits via Universal credit application form? Do you have an appointment with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)?
Have you spoken to Housing Options and been assigned a case worker? If not call, 0800 234 6084
Have you registered with Gentoo?
Have you registered with Sunderland City Council's housing?