- Your financesGuidance on paying your rent, and other financial advice and support
- Looking after your homeMaintenance, safety checks, adaptations, gardens, advice
- Looking after your neighbourhoodTackling anti-social behaviour and improving public spaces
- Looking after yourselfSupport for those emerging from difficult circumstances
- Thinking of making a change?Transfers, buying, intermediate rent/shared ownership, garages
- Customer profilingThe more we know, the more we can offer
- Get involvedJoin us in making decisions that affect your home and community
Introduction to Choice Based Lettings
In December 2009 a new way of letting properties owned by Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s), commonly known as Housing Associations, was introduced. It is called ‘Homemove’, a Choice Based Lettings scheme.
The Government asked RSL’s to adopt this type of lettings scheme as it gives people more personal choice about where they live. People wishing to rent a property from an RSL are able to register their interest in available properties – this process is referred to as ‘bidding’ but no money is involved! Properties are advertised every two weeks so people can see what is available.
Why the Change?
Some people have expressed concern at the change from the Council and Worthing Homes monitoring waiting list applicants, and vacant properties, to a scheme that requires applicants to check on vacancies themselves.
It is true that ‘Choice’ requires a fortnightly commitment by those seeking a new home but ‘bidding’ is not as complicated as it may sound and it does allow flexibility. For example, Worthing Homes and the Council had to ask applicants to select areas of Worthing where they wished to be housed but Choice allows you to bid for properties that may have been just outside your old area of choice and to avoid others that were within it.
In addition, everyone can check what properties become available , when they are let, and the priority of the applicant who was granted the tenancy.
