I applied for government housing. Why does my application status say "NHNR"?

The long answer

"NHNR" simply stands for the National Housing Needs Register, which is a central database to register an application for housing. Perhaps it comes up when you check your status to indicate that you have already registered on the NHNR, and that there is no further news at this time.

The following are all ways you can check your status:

1. You can log onto the Housing Subsidy Portal at hssonline.gov.za and enter your ID number;

2. You can go to your municipal office. Take your copy of your C Form so they can check where you are on the waiting list;

3. You can SMS 44108 and type in your ID number;

4. You can phone the toll-free housing number at 0800 146 873;

5. You can email info@dhs.gov.za and give them your ID number.

Any one of these should tell you what the situation is with your house. But it can take years before your house is allocated to you.

When your house is ready to be allocated, the municipality will inform you that you must come in and sign a “happy letter” and Service Agreement, and you will then be given the keys to the house, and hopefully, the title deeds too.

If the title deeds are not available when you get your house, do not stop checking when they will be ready, because it is only the title deeds that make you the legal owner of your house.

Wishing you the best,
Athalie