As a member of Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) you will gain professional recognition across the sector by demonstrating your commitment to creating a housing sector where everyone has a place to call home.

CIH members have access to the latest sector-leading knowledge and best practice, free attendance our events, discounted training, use of designatory letters and much more.

  • Looking for how to renew your CIH membership? It's quick, simple and you can renew online, over the phone or by emailing us.

Find the right membership grade for you

Whether you're a student or tenant embarking on your journey in housing, a front-line professional aspiring to advance into management roles, or a senior leader eager to showcase your dedication to professionalism in the industry - we have the right membership to support your needs.

Standard membership (CIHM)

Whether you are working in or have an interest in the housing sector, and are yet to embark on any qualifications, this grade of membership will have you covered.

Suitable for:

  • Anyone with an interest in the housing sector
  • Individuals new to the sector or working in a front line profession
  • Involved tenants
  • Students.

Membership fee:

  • UK annual membership fee of £262 or less than £22 a month spread across 12 months by Direct Debit.

Apply online

Find out more about standard membership (CIHM)

Certified practitioner (CertCIH)

Known as the 'industry standard' for housing professionals, this grade shows employers that you have achieved a certain level of skills and knowledge needed to be a housing professional.

Suitable for:

  • Housing officers
  • Middle management
  • Individuals with a CIH recognised qualification at level 3 or 4.

Eligibility:

Membership fee:

  • UK annual membership fee of £262 or less than £22 a month spread across 12 months by Direct Debit.

Apply online

Find out more about certified practitioner (CertCIH)

Chartered (CIHCM)

Chartered membership is the hallmark of your success in housing, it's a demonstration of your housing expertise, your commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Suitable for:

  • Senior managers
  • Experienced professionals with an aspiration for leadership
  • Individuals with a CIH recognised qualification at level 5 or above.

Membership fee:

  • UK annual membership fee of £394 or less than £33 a month spread across 12 months by Direct Debit.

Apply online now

Find out more about chartered membership (CIHCM)


Eligibility:

To be eligible for for chartered membership, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Find your route to chartered membership

  • Level 5 qualification: Ideal for aspiring professionals, supervisors and managers, this qualification covers leadership and management, strategic business planning, ethical and professional practice and managing relationships. 
  • Experienced professional route: Is a self-study programme designed for experienced housing professionals who want to demonstrate that they have the knowledge required to lead people and manage change. This programme requires participants to reflect on their professional capabilities and learning approaches to demonstrate their expertise in housing issues. Completion involves a reflective assignment and a professional interview.
  • Executive route: Designed for senior housing professionals operating at a strategic level. This programme allows you to demonstrate your professional expertise, strategic influence, and contribution to housing. Completion involves preparing a presentation and participating in a peer review interview.
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate courses: CIH recognises a number of university courses across the UK that meet the requirements for chartered membership. Both full and part-time options are available.

Not sure which path to follow? Call us for more information on 024 7685 1700 or email customer@cih.org.

Fellow (FCIH)

An honoured class of membership recognising highly experienced professionals who have made a significant contribution to the housing profession. You will need to be a current chartered member of CIH and be able to demonstrate how you have contributed to the sector.

Find out more

Fees and packages

Our standard membership starts at just £22 a month for UK members. We have a range of concessionary rates for certain groups of individuals, and different rates for our international members including Republic of Ireland professionals.

Find out more about our fees

Corporate membership

Our corporate membership gives your organisation the opportunity to get unique access to all of our services, a raft of added value benefits, financial discounts and a wealth of experience and expertise.

Find out more

Building Better Boards package

Boards and governance teams play a critical role, and we want to ensure that we recognise boards as housing professionals, supporting them and equipping them through CIH membership.

Find out more

Benefits of CIH membership

As a member of CIH, you will receive a raft of benefits which will help you develop your career and future within the sector; benefits that will keep you informed with latest policy updates and sector news with our vast library of resources and newsletters; and benefits that will support you to become the best housing professional in our growing network of more than 20,000 members globally.

Discover our member benefits

Rhiannon Davies CIHCM | Housing policy and performance officer, North Kesteven District Council

Achieving and holding chartered member status demonstrates my commitment to the housing profession, both within my own organisation and in the wider local government and housing sectors and gives me the tools I need to continue my development as a housing professional.

John Keegan FCIH | Chief executive, Monmouthshire Housing Association

CIH membership is essential for promotion and a great way to network and meet like-minded people. Joining CIH is a sign of commitment to the profession and a sign of commitment to your own development. It’s a way of promoting our profession as a fantastic career.

Clive Greenwood CIHCM | Income management team leader, Unity Housing Association Ltd

Through free member events I have been able to facilitate improvements in my organisation in various areas from domestic abuse to tenant engagement. Alongside this I've seen a colleague attend a career development event and come back so re-invigorated she immediately took steps to propel herself to a new role. It's events such as these which I believe are at the heart of CIH membership.

Ann-Marie Rogers CIHM | Neighbourhood services manager, Ocean Housing Ltd

Being part of the biggest network of housing professionals is like being part of a big family, you can always access support, best practice, latest news and be part of something positive that can make a real difference to people.

Jason Wroe FCIH | Chief executive, Newydd Group Ltd

Being part of CIH means you are in a club of like-minded individuals trying to achieve the same thing as you - whether that's career improvement, better outcomes and performance in your current role, or improving the provision of affordable housing and sustainable communities for everyone.

Kerry Clayton MSc CIHCM | Housing officer, Elderpark Housing Association

I find being part of a large network of housing professionals really beneficial, in that I am able to draw on the knowledge of others throughout the sector to help me perform better within my role and promote best practice within my organisation. Having access to excellent resources allows me to work to a consistently high standard and ensure continuous professional development.

CIH member Ann Marie Rogers
Frequently asked questions
Whether you're already a member of CIH or are thinking of joining us, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we get about becoming a CIH member or accessing the benefits.
Code of ethics and conduct
All CIH members are required to uphold our code of conduct and code of ethics to evidence their professionalism and dedication towards the housing sector. Members must also show their commitment to CIH’s mission, principles and values.
Membership framework
We have a responsibility to maintain professional standards and ensure housing professionals are equipped to make effective decisions in challenging situations. This policy sets out our members requirements and outlines the terms entered into as a member.

Got a question for our membership team? Call us on 024 7685 1700 or email customer@cih.org.