How to apply

To apply, you will need to print out and complete these two forms and provide proof of ID for all tenants and household members. The household members must also provide proof of residency.

• Right to Buy Application Form (opens new window)
• Right to Buy Additional Information Form (PDF, 198 KB)

You can either post the forms and proof of ID and residency to us, or scan and email them. If you do not have access to a printer, contact us and we can post the forms out to you.

If any documents are missing, this will delay your application.

Please do not send your original documents as we are unable to send them back to you.

Proof of ID

All tenants and household members must show proof of who they are. You can use any of the following:

• a valid passport
• a valid UK photocard driving licence
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate
• bus pass
• a recent photo certified by a solicitor

Proof of residency 

All household members need to show where they have been living. Along with proof of ID, each person must provide two documents. These documents should prove they have lived at their address for that last 12 months up to the date of application.

For example, if you applied in October 2024, you would need two documents: one from October 2024 and another from October 2023.

You can use any of the following:

• utility bill (water, gas or electricity)
• home or bank phone bill
• bank or credit card statement
• payslip showing your address
• pension document
• Department for Work and Pensions letter

Rent statements or Council Tax invoices are not accepted as proof of residency.

Change of name 

If you have changed your name, please provide documents to show this.

You can use any of the following as proof:

• marriage certificates 
• divorce papers 
• deed roll documents 

Previous tenancies

You can use past tenancies from other social landlords to qualify for the Right to Buy scheme. You can also use this to calculate your discount. Please note, Gateshead Council only keeps records for a limited time.

To use past tenancies in your application, you might need to prove your tenancy dates. If you can't provide this proof, these tenancies won't count in your application.