HomeChoice
The Council is introducing a Choice Based Lettings system in January 2010. This system is called HomeChoice.
Housing association properties that become available in North Dorset will be advertised so that people on the housing register can say if they want to be considered.
Where are properties advertised?
Available properties are advertised every Tuesday from 12 noon. There are a number of ways you can get this information:
On this website here.
- Call 01258 484006.
- Visit North Dorset District Council or Signpost Housing Association offices.
- Adverts will also be available in a number of locations throughout the district including town council offices, libraries and Citizens Advice Bureau offices.
Properties are advertised by road name and area. Please respect the privacy of the families living in the properties by not asking them for private viewings. Anyone found to have approached occupiers of properties advertised through HomeChoice will not have their bid for the property considered.
How do I bid for a property?
When you have seen a property you like, first check that you are eligible to bid for it. For instance:
- Some properties (known as “independent living” or "sheltered" properties) are only available for people over the age of 55 or 60.
- Landlords may not accept pets in some properties.
- You should make sure that the property matches your household size.
Some advertisements will say that priority will be given to certain groups of people – if this is the case and you are not in that group you can still bid for the property, but be aware that you are less likely to be successful.
You can place a bid in the following ways:
- Complete a coupon (sent to you in early November) and post it or bring it to North Dorset District Council, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LL.
- Phone 01258 484383.
- Email homechoice@north-dorset.gov.uk.
Bidding closes at noon on Monday and no late bids can be considered. You must allow enough time for any posted bids to be delivered before the close of bidding.
When placing a bid you must always tell us your housing register number, your name, address, contact telephone number, and the unique code for each property advertised.
HomeChoice in five easy steps
- Check the property advertisements every week.
- Be realistic about the properties you are bidding for.
- Make sure your bid reaches us before bidding closes.
- Check the feedback about recent lettings to inform your choices.
- Do not give up – keep on bidding.
A new Housing Register and Allocations Policy has been agreed by North Dorset District Council that explains how the Housing Register will operate with Choice Based Lettings.
A leaflet explaining how the HomeChoice Choice Based Lettings scheme will work, and how we assess “housing need”, is available here.
Housing Register
To apply for ANY of the social housing in the North Dorset area all applicants MUST apply via the Housing Register which is administered by this Council. An application form can be downloaded here.
This is the case for all applicants for social housing in North Dorset, including anyone who is a tenant of a housing association home in the North Dorset area.
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