Choice Based Letting Goes Live in Birmingham

What is choice-based letting?

Choice-based letting is a new approach to renting social housing (i.e., Council and Housing Association homes) in Birmingham. Clearer letting arrangements will give people looking for a home more control over the process. At the moment, choice-based letting covers one-bedroom homes after going live Thursday 25th February 2010.

You will have accurate information on how many homes are actually available, where these homes are located and your chances of being offered a home. For more information on Birmingham Home Choice, visit their website at
http://www.birminghamhomechoice.org.uk/

Choice based letting allows you to bid for available properties you are interested in. Available homes are advertised every week on the Birmingham Home Choice Website and in the Council’s Property Newsletter. You can see what homes are available to rent and you can bid on up to three homes a week.

How do I apply?

You need to register on the Council’s waiting list. To do this, contact your local Council Neighbourhood Office. Click here to donwload their user guide.

How do I bid?

You can bid for the homes advertised either on the internet or in the weekly newsletter. You can do this on the internet, by phone (including interactive voice recognition) or using interactive digital TV. Our offices in Newhall Hill are an access point for Homechoice in Birmingham

Each available home is listed with a photograph, its location and the size of household it is suitable for. You can only to bid for a home suitable for your household size and housing need.

Birmingham Homechoice will draw up a shortlist of bidders and offer the home to the bidder with the highest priority. If they do not accept the home, we will offer it to the next highest bidder.

How do I get help bidding?

Information is available in local libraries and neighbourhood offices and there is a one-stop property shop in Birmingham Central Library. Some people, such as staff or support workers, can bid on the behalf of others.

We are always very happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please see below the Local Authorities that offer Choice Based Lettings schemes:

Birmingham - http://www.birminghamhomechoice.org.uk/

Derby - www.derbyhomefinder.org/

Mansfield - http://www.mansfieldmoveahead.co.uk/

Erewash - www.home-options.org/

Nuneaton and Bedworth - http://www.uchoosehomes.co.uk/

Leicester City Council - www.leicester.gov.uk/

Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Worcestor - http://www.homechoiceplus.org.uk/

The following schemes will be starting later this year:

Blaby - www.blaby.gov.uk/

Charnwood Borough Council - www.charnwood.gov.uk/