Due to ongoing technical problems the Finding a Home site remains currently unavailable. We will continue to let homes to those in the highest need via direct lets with this being operational from week commencing 27th October. We will do this by running the latest list based on applicants registered and offering to that household in the highest band and who has been waiting the longest (within that band). That is consistent with our allocations policy and supports the continuation of allocating to those in most housing need. During this time you will still be able to register for properties via MyHousing and those who are under offer for properties will continue to be invited for accompanied viewings once the properties are returned fit for let. Please see below FAQs for further information
FAQs
Q. Am I going to miss out on a property?
A. No - although there is no current choice based lettings cycle we will continue to offer to available properties weekly in the highest need via direct lets.
Q. When will the next bidding cycle be?
A. Our ICT gurus are currently undertaking testing, the outcome of which we will know by the end of next week. Subject to satisfactory testing cycles will continue as normal week commencing 3rd November. If further work is needed, this will be communicated and allocation via direct lets continue.
Q. Can I still bid on properties?
A. At present the Finding a Home site is unavailable due to a technical issue which means that you cannot place a digital bid via the site. The Council will continue to allocate properties weekly via direct lets meaning that there is no pause in lettings.
Q. How will you continue to allocate properties?
A. Allocations will be made directly to customers who meet the property criteria each week. This approach is called direct lets. Direct lets will support an interim solution to continue lettings to those in highest housing need, particularly around homelessness and tackling vulnerability through high medical, social, financial welfare.
Q. What is a direct let?
A. A direct let is when a local authority or housing association assigns a social housing property to an individual or family without the need for them to bid. Allocations will continue to be made on housing need.
Q. What’s the difference between Direct Allocation and bidding on the housing list?
A.
- Direct Allocation: Properties are assigned to you based on your need, without needing to bid for properties.
- Bidding: In a standard system, applicants on the waiting list choose from available properties, typically by placing bids. The highest priority applicants are then matched to available homes.
Q. What will this mean for me?
A. If you are registered on Tamworth’s housing register you may be contacted by a member of the Void and Allocations team if we identify a property which is suitable for you. This will depend on the size of the property we have, the band you are in and how long you have been waiting in that band (band date). The approach is the same we take when we allocate via finding a home, the only difference is that you will not have bid on the property we will be calling you to offer. To support with this process, please ensure you have updated us on any changes of circumstances for your application as it will be considered fully before we contact you with a property offer.
Q. Can I still register for housing in Tamworth?
A. Yes, you can still register for housing. Applications must be submitted through our MyHousing portal. Please visit this link to create an account on MyHousing and complete your application
Q. What if I have been already been allocated a property
A. If you have been allocated a property you will be contacted and invited to an accompanied viewing at the address as normal with the void and allocations team once it has been returned fit for let by our contractors Equans.
Q. How will nominations work?
A. Nominations will be sent via direct matching of a customer’s criteria rather than advertising and bidding on the Finding a Home site.