How to bid for properties

What is a choice-based letting scheme?

Choice-based letting is the system we use to advertise social rented properties. If you qualify for the Housing Register, you will be able to express an interest (bid) on social rented housing properties which are becoming available.

The Local Authority, and Registered Providers, will create adverts on a weekly cycle with details about properties that are becoming available.

Any specific criteria or restrictions on who can bid for example, if there is a restriction on age group or family size, or the property is suitable only for persons with supported or specialist needs, will be made clear on the advert.

You will be able to find out:

type (for example, house, flat, bungalow, etc), size (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc) and location (by electoral ward)
who the landlord is
how much the weekly rent is, the cost of any service or support charges
if the property is a social or affordable rent
floor level and whether there is a lift
whether it is accessible for people with disabilities
whether there is access to a shared or private garden
whether pets are allowed

How to bid for a property

Using your portal, you are able to bid on up to 3 properties during a bidding cycle. To ‘bid’ is the word we use for you to select properties you would like to be considered for. A bidding cycle runs from Wednesday (12.01am) to Tuesday (11.59pm).

You can bid at anytime during the bidding cycle and you are free to change your bids during a bidding cycle. You can order the bids in order of your preference (1-3).

You will not be able to bid for all properties that are advertised. Some properties will only be available for some groups of people for example, properties designed for older people or households with adaptation requirements.

When you bid for a property, you are saying that the property is suitable for you. If you bid for a property you know you do not want or would not take if offered, you could be at risk of being removed from the Housing Register.

It is important to let us know if you require support in the bidding process. We will offer help where this would enhance successful bids and assist you in participating fully in the scheme.

If you have not placed any bids within a six-month period and suitable properties have been advertised during this time, we will contact you to assess and discuss the reason. Applicants who fail to respond may be removed from the Scheme.

There is no guarantee, even in the highest priority bands, you will be offered a property that you bid for in that cycle.

What happens when the bidding cycle has closed?

Once the bidding for a property has closed all the bids will be shortlisted according to the banding criteria and priority need.

Before an offer or nomination is made, you will be contacted via phone or email within 72 hours of bidding closing if you are being considered for a property.

We will check that:

your circumstances are the same as our records
you are up to date with your rent (if applicable)
there are no restrictions on you living in the area where the property is located
the property is the right size for you and your household

If you have not informed us of any changes in your circumstances or you do not reply within 24 hours of being contacted, you will not considered further for the property. If your circumstances have changed your application will be suspended while it is reassessed.

You will need to provide up to date original documentation. We will notify the landlord of the property that you meet the criteria for and forward your application for consideration.

An offer of accommodation will be sent if the property meets your housing needs, and you still meet the criteria. If you do not hear anything within 2 weeks time, please assume your bid was not successful.

Viewing the property

You will have an opportunity to view the property prior to accepting or rejecting the offer. You will be given a reasonable period to properly consider whether to accept a property.

This will typically be 24 hours following a viewing; however, your personal circumstances will be taken into consideration, and you may be entitled to a longer period of time to consider.

Accepting a property

The landlord of the property will complete the letting following the offer and acceptance of a tenancy agreement by the Applicant.

The property should be fit for occupation at the date of the letting, and you can expect any repairing obligations to be met by the registered provider within a reasonable time of the tenancy.

The Registered Provider may ask for additional documentation and reserve the right to carry out pre-tenancy checks.

Last updated 29 November 2024