Devon Home Choice,
the new Choice Based Lettings scheme,
went live on 17 February 2010
What is choice based lettings?
Choice Based Lettings (CBL) is a new approach being used by Councils and Registered Social Landlords to let their properties. Although it will not increase the number of homes available, a choice based system is designed to allow applicants more choice and involvement in selecting their future homes. It is a much more open, transparent, and customer-based approach to the letting of homes.
Please note that you only need to be registered with one council for Devon Home Choice. You will not need to re-register with us if you are already on the waiting list with one of the following councils, as your housing priority need will automatically be re-banded by them:
- Plymouth
- North Devon
- Exeter
- Teignbridge
How the choice based letting system will work
- People applying for social housing across Devon will only have to complete one application form and be assessed in accordance with the common letting policy.
- Applicants will be placed in one of five bands according to their housing need.
- Applicants will be notified about the type of property including the number of bedrooms they are eligible to bid for.
- Landlords will advertise their properties and applicants will choose which homes they are interested in "bidding” for. "Bid” is the term used to mean that you want to apply for the property.
- The property will generally be offered to the applicant with the greatest housing need, who expressed an interest in the property, and meets the criteria.
- Properties will be advertised weekly.
- Applicants will be able to "bid” on up to 3 properties a week.
- Applicants will be notified if they are the highest pointed applicant.
- CBL will enable applicants to express an interest in available properties rather than being selected from a waiting list.
- Once the bidding deadline has ended, the property will be offered to the eligible person in the highest band with the earliest application date.
- This should help applicants develop realistic expectations regarding their chances of success and the likely waiting period.
How do I register for CBL?
- You must be registered for CBL in order to be able to "bid" for a property.
- You will be able to register on the internet at Devon Home Choice, or by filling out a paper application. The paper application will only be available on request.
If you require assistance in completing your registration, a team of advisors will be available at the council offices at Follaton House or you could ring 01803 861204 to speak to an advisor.
