FAQs about bidding for properties and offers of accommodation

The guidance and FAQs here will answer queries about bidding for homes on HomeChoice.

How will I know what homes are available?

Every week we will advertise available homes on the Leicester HomeChoice website and in the weekly vacancy list, that is available to download at the bottom of the Apply for housing page. If you have a live housing application then you will be able to bid for properties.

I've seen a property I want to bid on but when I log in it's not there?

When you look at properties on the website without logging in, you will be able to see all properties advertised in that week. Once you log in to bid, you will only be able to see the properties that are suitable for you.

Can I apply for more than one property?

Yes. You are permitted to apply for up to three properties per week that you are eligible for. Your three chosen properties are in no particular preference order.

How long will I have to bid on a property?

The properties are advertised for six days from 6am Wednesday to midnight the following Monday. It makes no difference at what time or day you apply for the property you are interested in - it is not a first come, first served service.

How will I know if I have been successful?

When the cycle is completed we will only contact the applicants that have the highest priority at the time the shortlists run. We aim to contact the successful applicant as soon as possible after the end of the cycle and the offer will be put in writing. If the property is ready to let we will also contact the applicant by telephone.

The system is refreshed every night, your position on the list is a guide and may change daily. Once the cycle is closed your position on the list will be correct on the day the shortlist is run and is determined by your priority.

Will my bids be considered in any particular order?

No, your bids all have equal weight. If you are eligible for offers on two of your bids for example, one will not be considered above another when offers are being made.

If I am offered a property, when will I be able to view it?

Please note, an offer of accommodation may be withdrawn at any time. If your offer is withdrawn, you will be advised in writing. If you're made an offer of accommodation, we'll arrange for you to collect the keys to view the property as soon as it is ready for you to move into, after which an appointment will be made for you to sign for the tenancy. The tenancy will start on a Monday if it is a Leicester City Council property. If it is a housing association property the landlord will advise you accordingly.

What sort of tenancy will I be offered?

All new tenancies offered by us are introductory tenancies that are limited for an initial 12 month period, but become secure tenancies after this time if the terms of tenancy have been kept to. Secure tenants have the right to buy and exchange tenancies, introductory tenancies do not. Housing association tenancies are generally assured tenancies and do not carry the right to buy. Tenancies with HomeCome will be assured shorthold tenancies.

Please Note:

• HomeCome tenancies are not a part of our tenancies, Leicester City Council tenancy. We are only the managing agent for them.
• A HomeCome tenancy is not a secure tenancy but an assured short-hold tenancy.
• A HomeCome tenant does not have security of tenure like Leicester City Council tenants.
• HomeCome tenants do not have the right to buy.
• HomeCome tenants do not have the right to exchange.

What standard can I expect and what works will be carried out to the property I have been offered, prior to me moving in?

We believe each of our void properties prepared for letting should be safe, clean and in a good state of repair in order that tenants can begin to enjoy their new home straight away. Our void letting standard was developed in consultation with tenants and implemented in January 2017. The Void letting standard document is attached at the bottom of the page for your information.

How do I pay my rent?

Before you sign for your tenancy you will be asked to pay the first week's rent. You can pay by debit or credit card or by cash at any pay-point facility

All new tenants are required to pay their rent by direct debit.

When can I move in?

This will depend on whether any necessary repair work is completed. We will let you know when you can view the property internally, and will arrange for you to move in as soon as is possible.

What happens if I refuse an offer?

Your application will remain in the same position as when you originally registered and you'll be able to apply for further properties in the next week’s adverts. If you refuse three offers over a 12 month rolling period your application will be immediately suspended for 12 months. You will have a right to appeal in writing within five days of receipt of notification of the suspension. Your appeal will be investigated and you will be contacted in writing within 10 days with the outcome.

Please note you are only allowed one offer if you have been awarded banding priority under homelessness or harassment grounds. If an offer is refused this may result in your banding priority being removed.

Can I have a pet in my new home?

Certain properties are considered unsuitable for pets. This will be highlighted by a symbol against the property advertised.

What are age designated properties?

Some flats may be age designated. This means priority may be given to applicants aged 60 years and over with general needs in the first instance, then applicants aged 50 years and over and so on, reducing in 10 year bandings. Where the property is ground floor, those applicants with ground floor requirements will be looked at prior to those with general needs whilst still working on an age basis.

What are age restricted properties?

One bedroom bungalows and sheltered accommodation are age restricted for older applicants. You will only be eligible for these properties if you exceed the age restriction.

How are adapted properties allocated?

When an adapted property is advertised, all applicants are allowed to place a bid as long as they are eligible for the bedroom range and type of the property. However, priority will be given to applicants that require the adaptation installed in the property. Therefore the allocations priority order will be to applicants requiring fully wheelchair, partially adapted, ground floor and then general needs requirements.

How do I access the Leicester HomeChoice on a phone/tablet?

Log in to your Housing Online account and click on the choice based lettings button. If you have a live housing application you will be able to see what you can bid for by selecting 'List of available properties' from the dropdown list.