Choice Based Letting FAQs

Q, How does Choice Based Lettings (CBL) work, how do I bid on the Finding a Home (FaH), website?
A. When you receive your bidding number, you can register at www.findingahometamworth.co.uk. Each Wednesday, a new list of properties (bidding cycle) will be advertised that are available to bid on. You can bid on up to 3 properties each week. The cycle will end on the following Monday evening. The site will be closed on Tuesdays to allow properties to be allocated.

Q. Can I bid on any property?
A. No. Your application will be assessed for the type of property you need and the amount of bedrooms.  For instance, if you are assessed as needing a one bedroom property, you will not be able to bid on a 3 bedroom house.

Q. Will I/we be able to view the property?
A. Yes. When the property is advertised, somebody may still live there or we may be undertaking repairs and cannot enter during this time due to health and safety requirements.  When the property is ‘fit to let’, we will arrange to view the property with you and you can sign your tenancy agreement. 

Q. What if I have been nominated for a housing association property?
A. Housing associations may assess applicants in a different way to the council. They will contact you directly and discuss moving arrangements with you. They may ask you to complete another application for housing with them.

Q. Council tenants moving out, how will property inspections work?
A. If you currently hold a tenancy with Tamworth Borough Council and are transferring to another Tamworth council property, we will inspect your property to check that all fixtures and fittings are in place and standard. For instance, if you have installed spot lights or a new bathroom or kitchen, you will need to replace those items back to standard before you are allowed to transfer.

Q. I am a council tenant how do I return my keys.
A. When you notify Tamworth Council that you are moving out, you will be issued with a form to sign agreeing that you will be leaving the property free of any items or that you agree to items being disposed of (there will usually be a recharge for this). You can post the keys and the signed form through the letterbox of Marmion House ready for us to process. Please ensure you return any shed door keys, communal door entry keys and fobs.

Q. How will I sign for my new tenancy?
A. We will arrange to view the property with you. The day before the viewing, we will send you a copy of your tenancy agreement which you should read through thoroughly to ensure you understand the responsibilities and conditions of taking on a tenancy. You can sign your tenancy agreement when you view and any supporting information will be emailed on to you within the next 48 working hours.

Q. Can I apply to be on the Council’s housing register?
A. Yes you can visit https://myhousing.tamworth.gov.uk/ to apply through our online portal for housing. You will then be directed to upload all supporting evidence to enable us to assess your application. A list of everything you need to supply is here - https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/applying-join-tamworth%E2%80%99s-housing-register

Q. What if I have a change of circumstances to my housing, how can I complete a change of circumstances form?
A. This can be completed online and submitted. If you are not online then please call 01827 709 709 and ask to speak to a Housing Solutions Advisor.

Q. Can I move by mutual exchange?
A. Yes, we are accepting mutual exchange applications. Follow this link for more information: https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/housing-exchange

Q. What if I am not a Tamworth Borough Council tenant?
A. All social housing landlords offer a mutual exchange service for their tenants. If you rent your home from a housing association, please contact them direct to see how they can assist you in finding a swap.