Homechoice

How do I apply to the housing register?

Applications to the housing register should be made directly to Bexley HomeChoice.

There are 2 steps when applying to the register, firstly you must register your household with your name, date of birth, NI number and current address. Until that is provided, you will not be able to register. Once you have done so, you will be allocated a unique login reference number.

You will then need to log in using that number with the details you have set up and complete the housing register application form online where you will be asked for:

• all household member names
• all household member dates of births
• National Insurance Numbers for all members over the age of 16
• five-year address history, including tenure type and landlord details
• any relevant medical information
• current employment status
• current combined household income
• proof of eligibility
• proof of address

 

I have forgotten my reference number – how do I find out what it is?

You will have to email or call the Bexley Allocations Team to have your login reference sent to you. Please contact us on bas@bexley.gov.uk or 0203 045 3100

 

I have tried to register using my National Insurance number but it is displaying an error message:

This is because you already have a login reference assigned to your household, this could be one you set up previously or one set up by you if you have approached the Housing Options Service (Homeless Team). You will need to contact the housing department to confirm your login reference as you are unable to create a duplicate reference. Please contact us on bas@bexley.gov.uk or 0203 045 3100

 

What happens after I apply?

Once submitted, your application will be sent to the Bexley Allocations Team, who will then assess your application to determine if you are eligible to join the housing register. The assessment is based on what you have informed us about of your individual circumstances, and the eligibility criteria in accordance with the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy 2021.  

The Allocations Officer will carry out the assessment, and you will be provided with the decision in writing. Whether you are eligible or not all decisions made are given in writing, with the right to seek a review if not in agreement with the decision. Decisions should be issued within 56 days (8 weeks).

If you are eligible, you will receive a registration letter advising you of the awarded banding, bed size requirement and effective date. You may then start to place bids.

It is important that you keep your housing register application up to date with your current circumstances including your address and contact details. This will ensure that if you successfully bid and are shortlisted for a property the relevant provider or a member of the allocations team is able to contact you quickly to discuss any property offer.

Please note that being accepted to join the register does not guarantee an offer of social housing as demand significantly exceeds supply. This is particularly the case for larger homes.

 

I have tried to register on the housing register but have received an online message stating:

This message will appear if you do not meet the criteria to join the housing register, you will receive a letter in writing outlining the reasons why you are Ineligible.

 

Who cannot join the housing register?

The 1996 Housing Act says that you cannot register for housing if:

• you are from abroad and subject to immigration control
• you are from abroad and you are not habitually resident in the UK or
• you are a British citizen and you are not habitually resident in the UK
• you do not have five years' continuous residency within Bexley Council

 

Why have I been excluded or suspended from the register?

Applicants can be excluded, and people on the housing register can be suspended from the register. If we decide to exclude or suspend you from the register, we will tell you in writing. If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a review. We will then give you more information about the review procedure.

Applicants can be excluded or suspended from the register for the following unacceptable behaviour or actions, please note this list is not exhaustive:

• failing to pay rent
• breaching a term of the tenancy agreement
• causing a nuisance or annoyance to neighbours
• assaulting or persistently using abusive or racist language towards a member of the Council’s or the landlord’s staff or a contractor
• being convicted of an arrestable offence committed in, or in the vicinity of, their home
• causing the condition of the property to deteriorate by a deliberate act or by neglect
• making a false statement to obtain a tenancy

Full details about housing register suspensions and exclusions can be found in the Housing Allocation Policy 2021.