Sutton

Is it worth bidding when I am so low down on the list?

Yes.  Your success depends upon how many other people bid for a property. Some properties are less popular than others and do not receive many bids.  If yours is the only bid and you are eligible you will usually be offered the property even if you are low down on the main list. If you don’t bid for a property you can’t be considered.

Is there a limit on the number of times I can bid?

There is no limit to the number of properties you can bid for, however you will only be able to bid for properties that are suitable for your family.

Will I get the property I bid for?

Not necessarily - several people may bid for each property that is advertised, all bids are considered in priority order so this process does not mean that you are being offered a property

Will I be offered the property if I am in position 1 when the bidding closes?

In most circumstances you will be offered the property.  However if your circumstances have changed or new information comes to light following your bid we may not be able to offer the property to you.  In addition some properties are withdrawn from the Choice Based Lettings system and allocated to an urgent re-housing case.  In either case you will be contacted and given the reason why you have not been successful.

How / when will I know if my bid has been successful?

Only the successful applicants will be contacted and will be invited to view, this will usually be in the week following the closing date.  If you are not successful you will not be contacted.  Details of how properties from previous weeks have been let are available by clicking on ‘Results’ on the right hand of the screen.

Why do so many properties go to Decant cases?

The council is committed to improving the properties in which our tenants live and in some areas large-scale improvements are being made. This may involve improving existing properties, undertaking major works to existing blocks of properties, demolishing properties and building new properties. Tenants living in areas that are being improved are often required to move out of the properties that they live in to enable the work to start.  Therefore these tenants will be given priority for re-housing.

Why are there so few 4-bedroom properties available?

Less than 3% of Council properties in the borough have 4 bedrooms and unfortunately they do not become vacant very often.

Why are there so many sheltered properties?

These types of property become vacant more often and are therefore often available to let.

Will the property be offered to more than one applicant?

No. Usually the top five eligible applicants will be invited to view the property. After viewing the property an offer will be made to the interested applicant with the highest priority.

If you have bid for a Housing Association property, usually only the top three eligible applicants will be contacted.

How are the properties allocated to the bands?

Properties are allocated across the seven bands according to the priorities that the Council agrees at the beginning of the year.

How soon will I be expected to move in if I am offered a property?

Often very quickly, you will usually be expected to move into your new home on the Monday after you have viewed and accepted the property.

What is the difference between Council & Housing Association Properties?

If you are allocated a Council property you will be granted a Secure tenancy, although if you are a new tenant you will normally be given an Introductory Tenancy for the first 12 months.

If you are allocated a Housing Association Property you will be granted an Assured Tenancy, although if you are a new tenant most Housing Associations will also give you an Introductory or Starter Tenancy for the first 12 months.

What will Housing Benefit pay for?

Housing Benefit will only cover the basic rent charge and the service charge, and not heating or water charges. These are the responsibility of the tenant.