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Choice Based Lettings

Since 2008, the Council has operated a Choice Based Lettings scheme (CBL). This is a new way of allocating registered social landlords' properties to applicants on the housing register and transfer list.

CBL is a simple, clear process through which affordable housing is allocated in Broxbourne. CBL allows you to let the Council know which properties you would like to be put forward for in the area of your choice, rather than the Council nominating you to a property.

The fact sheet for choice based lettings can be downloaded through the links on the right hand side of this page.

Why has the Council introduced Choice Based Lettings?

CBL was introduced following a Government requirement that all local authorities in England and Wales provide greater choice in their lettings process by the year 2010.

Benefits of Choice Based Lettings

Better quality of information about properties that are available and an open system of allocation
Clearer and easier to understand allocations policy
Gives the applicant choice to decide when and what property to bid for rather than waiting for an offer
More efficient working between the Council and its partners
Support for vulnerable people in expressing an interest in a property

How does Choice Based Lettings work?

The scheme puts the initiative on you, the customer, to express an interest for properties that are advertised. To express an interest means to tell us that you would like to live in a certain property; it does not involve a deposit or any money.

Those registered on the Council's housing register and transfer list can 'bid' for properties they are interested in. The successful bidder is the person with the highest points and who best meets the criteria for the property. Our Allocations Policy details how the Council determines priorities between housing applicants.

You will be able to express an interest using a variety of methods, including via the internet, by telephone, text message or with paper coupons. You can compare your points with the feedback included in the fortnightly free sheet or via the internet.

The graph below highlights the preferred method of bidding for clients in Broxbourne:

CBL Bids

What happens when I bid for a housing association property?

The housing options team will draw up the shortlist of the bidders for the properties on the Wednesday after the bidding cycle closes. If you are the top bidder, we will contact you and let you know. We will then forward your details to the Housing Association (HA), who will contact you directly to arrange to view the property.

Following the viewing, if you still want to move into the accommodation, the HA will offer the property to you. Normally, there is no problem with this process. However, HA's do reserve the right to decline any nomination made.

Under Choice Based Lettings will there be more properties?

Unfortunately, CBL will not increase the number of properties available for letting so you may still have to wait to be re-housed.

What is the Choice Based Lettings scheme called?

HomeOption is the name of the choice based lettings scheme operating in Broxbourne.

Where can I find out more about HomeOption?

If you would like more information about how this scheme will work and how you can make an expression of interest, please contact the housing needs manager on 01992 785505. More information on CBL can also be found on the HomeOption website.

I need information in different languages/formats

If you need the choice based lettings guide in large print, braille, on an audio tape or in another language, please contact the housing projects manager on 01992 785505 or e-mail eam.housingneeds@broxbourne.gov.uk.