If you are looking for a safe and sound home with a decent landlord and low-cost rent, you have come to the right place.
Step one - find your local choice-based letting scheme
Go to the choice-based letting (CBL) scheme that covers the area where you want to live.
Step two - complete an application form
Complete the online housing application form on your preferred choice-based letting (CBL) scheme.
You will need to provide identification and other information to support your application.
This might include information about your income, outgoings, and connection to the area.
Step three - view available properties
Once your choice-based letting scheme has emailed you to let you know if your application has been successful, you can start to view available properties on your choice-based letting scheme website.
Properties are always being added, so it is worth regularly checking to ensure you don’t miss out on your ideal home.
View available properties
We will arrange a viewing if your expression of interest is successful.
If you want the property, we will agree on a sign-up date.
On the moving-in day, your housing officer will meet with you to hand over the keys and welcome you to your new home.
Our homes are in high demand, and renting a property through a choice-based letting scheme can sometimes take a while as they are allocated based on need. Choice-based letting schemes list average waiting times on their websites, and the time will vary dependent on location and type of property.
To help offer more people the opportunity to rent a low-cost home, we also offer a limited number of properties that you can rent directly with us and are available immediately.
These are usually much quicker to rent than going through a choice-based letting scheme, and the eligibility criteria are much more flexible.
We also have some other options you may want to consider that may help you get you moving more quickly.
These include:
We have safe and secure homes to rent to meet every need, subject to availability. You will also have the added peace of mind that you’ll have a responsible landlord providing quality tenancy services.
You won’t need a bond or deposit. We offer homes to rent at much more affordable rates - and more security - than renting from a private landlord, offering:
Social rent homes are significantly lower than private rents and do not require a deposit or bond. The government also limits rent increases.
In 2022/23, England’s average weekly social rent was £93. However, the rent will depend on the area and type of property and may be less or more than this.
One of the most important things when considering moving house is knowing whether you can afford the rent, bills and other living costs.
Our website has some information to help you determine your monthly expenditure, how to balance your income and outgoings, and whether you can afford to move home.
Support with homelessness or domestic abuse
If you are homeless or being threatened with homelessness, you should contact the housing department at your local council immediately.
Please do not leave it until the last minute, and do not permanently leave your home until you are legally obliged to do so (usually by court order), as this may be detrimental to any application for assistance you make.
Our charity, Key Unlocking Futures, can support you if you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or domestic abuse. Visit www.keycharity.org.uk
Checking your application status
You can log into your Select Move, MyHomeChoice or other choice-based letting account online and see the status of your application. Once you are made active, you will be able to start placing bids on properties.
If you have forgotten your login details, please visit your choice-based letting scheme website. If you still need help logging in, please contact us.
Appeal your social housing banding or application decision
We understand that applying for social housing can be stressful, and sometimes, you may feel that your application or banding has not been assessed fairly.
If you believe there has been an error in your application, or if your banding does not reflect your circumstances, you have the right to appeal or submit a complaint.
How to appeal your banding or application
If you disagree with the banding decision made for your application or feel that your circumstances were not properly considered, you need to contact the Choice Based Lettings scheme you have applied with. The appeal process ensures that your application is reviewed again, considering any new or additional information.
How to make a complaint
If you feel that the process of applying for social housing has not been handled properly, or if you have concerns about the service you received, you can make a complaint.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, our customer contact team is here to help.
We are committed to making sure that everyone has a fair and transparent experience with the social housing application process.
Our homes are in demand, and a suitable one can take some time to become available. We also have some other options you may want to consider that may help get you moving more quickly.
These include:
We also have a small number of properties that we let directly. Chat online with our team to find out more, or contact us.
Get help from our friendly Customer Contact Team.
