Q Does the Choice-Based Lettings Scheme include Supported
(Sheltered) Housing?
A Yes, these properties will be fully included in the Choice-Based Lettings
Scheme.
Q Are Housing Association Properties advertised in the same
way?
A Yes.
Q Are all properties advertised and are they empty?
A No. Some properties may be offered out side the Choice Based Lettings
Scheme for example where an emergency arises or if the property is
adapted for special needs. Sometimes properties will be advertised
before they are vacated.
Q If a property is advertised will it always be offered?
A No. On some occasions it may be necessary to withdraw a property
from the Choice-Based Lettings System.
Q What if I see a property I would like but it is not in the suggested band that I am in?
A You could still make an ‘Expression of Interest’ but
in the first instance properties would be offered to Homeseekers in
the suggested band.
Q If several people ‘Express an Interest’ in a
property how will you decide between them?
A If there are several ‘Expressions of Interest’ in the same
property from people within the same respective band it will be offered
to the Homeseeker who has been waiting the longest.
Q I owe the Council money; can I still ‘Express an Interest’?
A No, you must not have any outstanding debt with the council.
Q Can I still look for a Mutual Exchange?
A Secure Tenants will continue to be able to use the Mutual Exchange
Scheme.
Q I have a history of anti-social behaviour can I still “Express
an Interest”?
A No, the Council may suspend your application if you have a history
of antisocial behaviour.
Q How many properties can I make an ‘Expression of Interest’ in?
A There are no restrictions on the number of properties on which you
can express an interest, but you can only make one expression of
interest per property.
Q What happens if there are no ‘Expressions of Interest’ for
an available property?
A The property will be advertised in the next cycle.
Q Can I apply for a property that is smaller than my needs?
A Yes. Under the Choice-Based Lettings Scheme applicants are entitled
to apply for any property of their choice which is smaller than their
existing accommodation or smaller then their existing needs. (Offers
will not be made where Statutory Overcrowding would occur) or where
a Housing Association has specified the maximum household size required
Q Can I apply for a property bigger than my needs?
A No, we cannot offer properties that are bigger than the applicants
needs.
Q I have joint or partial custody of my children. Will I be
able to bid for properties that are big enough for them to live with
me?
A No.Where a child has accommodation with one parent, they will be considered
to have permanent accommodation and so cannot be included in any application
for housing by the other parent.
Q How long will it take for me to be housed?
A It will depend on the availability of properties to advertise, the banding and waiting time of the others who have "Expressed an Interest" in the same property.
Q Can I view a property before deciding whether to make an ‘Expression
of Interest’?
A No. Successful Homeseekers will be able to view the property once
an offer has been made.
Q What if I view a property and decide I do not want to take
it?
A There is no penalty to refusing an offer via Choice Based Lettings
(except where the offer prevents Homelessness). We will simply offer
it to the 2nd successful applicant.
Q What happens if I don’t make any ‘Expressions
of Interest’?
A It will be up to Homeseekers to actively try and find a home they
want. The Council will no longer approach you with an offer.
Q What happens if I need help completing the application form,
finding ‘Available properties’ or making an ‘Expression
of Interest’?
A Homeseekers requiring assistance may nominate a friend, relative or
advocacy worker from an appropriate agency to apply on their behalf or
they can contact the Housing Options & Advice Section of the Council
where a Housing Advisor will be pleased to assist you in making an application.