Homechoice

Why aren’t there any properties for me to bid on?

There are a very limited number of properties becoming available for advertising each week and there will not necessarily be any properties for you to bid on in any particular week. If you click on 'Properties and recent let search' and then click to show 'social housing' and 'affordable rent' properties, you will see all the housing association properties available for rent in the bidding cycle.

 

Why do you keep showing me unsuitable properties?

The system is set up to show you all the properties you would be eligible for according to your bedroom size and age. It is unable to select the areas, types of properties etc that you want. Once you have clicked on the properties that you are eligible for you need to check each to find any that you want to bid on.

 

What information will the property adverts contain?

The adverts will tell you the landlord, location, size, rent and other features of the property. Where available a photograph of the property or a similar house type will be provided and you will be able to access information about the local area and facilities. The advert will also tell you if there are any special requirements that the applicant must meet, such as age requirements, which bands may bid for the property and which will be given priority for the property. It also tells you the number of bedrooms that applicants applying for the property need to be entitled to. If your bedroom entitlement is different to this you will not be able to bid for that property.

 

When will you advertise some larger properties?

We do not know what properties will become available in the future and the type and size of properties will vary each week. We do not usually have many four bedroom properties becoming available.

 

How long do I have to wait for a housing association property?

The demand for social housing is very high which means the wait can be very lengthy and in some cases we will not be able to help with accommodation. If your application is placed in Band 4 we cannot be hopeful about your chances of being successful unless you are an older person needing one bedroom accommodation.

 

Can I find out who was allocated a property?

We cannot give out any details of successful bidders but there is some information available on recent lets. If you go to the ‘Properties and recent lets’ heading on the home page of the Bexley HomeChoice website and click on the tab ‘Recent lets’ you will be able to see the band and band date of successful bidders which will give you some idea of the waiting times for the different properties and areas.

 

Can I be made a direct offer of accommodation?

Applicants who have an urgent medical need or who have been assessed as homeless can be made a direct offer of accommodation. We operate a one reasonable offer policy only.

 

What are my options if I am made a direct offer?

1. Accept the tenancy.

2. Accept the tenancy and seek a review. You must take up occupancy, you move in and remain living there, but also a seek a review of the Council’s decision that the offer is reasonable within 21 days of accepting the offer.  The council has 56 days to complete the review, commencing from the date the review was received.   If the reviewer considers the offer was unreasonable, your application will remain approved as a homeless household and a further offer will be made.

3.  Refuse the tenancy.  If you refuse the offer or refuse to view the property your reasons will be considered. However, if the Council does not feel that the reasons are acceptable, no further offers will be made, and the Council will end it housing duties towards you. If you are occupying temporary accommodation provided by Bexley Council steps will be taken to end this accommodation. You will have also have the opportunity to seek a review of this decision within 21 days of the counting ending its housing duties.

 

Are carpets and appliances provided?
You will normally have to provide your own carpets and appliances.

 

If I am offered a property, will I be able to view it?

Yes, you will be able to view the property. In some rare circumstances, this may need to be virtual.

 

If I successfully bid for a rented property, can the landlord refuse to let it to me?

You may not be invited to view the property for the following reasons:

• You owe rent or have other housing related debts
• You are a Council or Housing Association tenant and legal action has been taken against you because you have broken your tenancy conditions
• You have not provided the required documentary evidence to support your application by the date given
• Your circumstances have changed and this results in a reduction in your level of priority.
• You have provided incorrect or misleading information, which has resulted in your application being awarded a higher priority than it deserves.

 

If you have a question that has not been covered in the above please email the Allocations Team: bas@bexley.gov.uk