Choice based lettings - what is it?
You join a housing register or waiting list and apply for empty properties that are advertised each week in the local paper and on websites. Properties are let to the person with the highest priority who has been waiting the longest.
How do I register?
We work with around 30 different local councils many of whom have slightly different ways of letting homes. However, most of our properties are let using your local council’s choice based letting scheme. Therefore to apply for a Knightstone property you must first register with your local council.
Your council will decide who can join the register but we will not normally offer you another Knightstone property unless you have:
- A clear rent account
- No other tenancy related debts
- Not broken your tenancy agreement, such as antisocial behaviour or damage to your current property.
To apply:
1. Complete a housing application form.
Housing application forms are available from Knightstone or from your local council. If you need help to fill in the form your housing officer can help you. Alternatively you could speak to your council office, local Citizens Advice Bureau or housing advice centre. The completed form should be returned to your local council.
Once you have registered you will be able to apply for housing with Knightstone, the council and other housing associations in your area.
2. What are my chances of moving?
Most councils use a banding system (1-5, A-D or Bronze, Silver and Gold) to help them decide how urgently you need to move. Your council will tell you what band you are in. Generally, the higher your band the more likely it is you will get a property but it also depends on other things like where you want to live and how long you have been waiting.
3. What happens next?
Most areas we work in now use choice-based lettings so you will need to bid for empty properties that are advertised each week and homes will be offered to those with the highest banding.
As we no longer hold our own transfer list up to 25% of the empty properties we advertise will be reserved for Knightstone residents only. Look out for these properties as you may have more chance of being successful.
If your local council does not use choice based lettings your information is added to the waiting list of people wanting to rent from the council and from other housing associations. If you have sufficient priority and a suitable home is vacant you will be contacted.
4. What if I need to move immediately?
If you need to move urgently we will work with other agencies such as the Police or support workers. We will help you apply to your Council to ask them to increase your banding and improve your chances of finding a new property.
5. How long will it take?
It is very difficult to say how long it will take, or even if you will get a transfer. It depends on where you want to live; what you want, for example a house or flat; and why you want to move.
If we think we can’t help, we will suggest other options.
Contact the housing office of your local council or your local Knightstone office for more information.
Downsizing scheme
We have developed an incentive scheme for our tenants who live in properties that are larger than they now need. This offers payment to tenants in 3 bedroom homes or larger, for moving to smaller properties.
This trial scheme was launched in May 2008, giving tenants who take part £500 for every bedroom they give up, up to a maximum of £2,000.
We have prepared a leaflet to answer all the questions who may have. To view or download this, please click on the link on the right of this page.
To find out about mutual exchange schemes, please click here to be re-directed to a page containing more information.