How does choice-based letting work?
In a nutshell, interested tenants browse affordable housing association and council properties available for rent through their local council’s CBL scheme.
Once they’ve found a property that meets their need, they will put in a bid for it. There may be several other bidders.
After a shortlisting process, the council will use a system of points and bandings to work out who among the bidders has the greatest need for a home. This bidder is offered the home.
Who can use a choice-based letting scheme?
Both new and existing tenants can use CBL.
If you’re a new customer, you’ll need to register with your local housing authority. To do this, you can visit the government website to find your local council.
You will be prompted to enter a postcode and then you will be shown the relevant local housing authority for your chosen area. Once you have established the correct local authority area you will be able to visit the website and search for social housing to apply for the CBL scheme in your chosen area.
If your application is accepted, you’ll be put on a waiting list. After this, you’ll be able to bid for homes.
Existing tenants might also be able to use the CBL scheme to move out of their current housing association or council property, and into a new one.
How to apply for an Accent home through choice-based letting
Like many housing associations, the majority of our homes are available through CBL schemes.
Accent is part of many CBL schemes throughout the UK, but we’re not in every area. In some places, we list some of our homes on Rightmove.
How the schemes work can vary depending on where you live, so after you’ve read this page, check your local council’s website to get specific information about CBL schemes in your area.
How to apply for an Accent home through your local council's website
- Find your local council website
Find your local authority using the postcode search tool on GOV.UK. - Apply to be on the housing register
Once you've identified your local council, visit their official website and go to their housing section.
You should find an online application form to apply for the housing register, or information on how to apply by phone or in person.
When registering, you'll need to provide personal details, current living circumstances, and any relevant financial or medical information. - Your council will review your application
After you send in your application, your local council will assess your eligibility based on your need and priority level.
Each local council may have specific criteria and procedures, so ensure you carefully follow their guidance throughout the process. - After you're successful, Accent will contact you
If your local council housing register application is successful, our allocations and lettings team will contact you and send you a link to our property application form in our Let's Move application portal. You'll need to fill this in within 48 hours.
Choice-based letting FAQ
Find out more about how you can use CBL to find a home that suits your needs.
Once a new home becomes available, you may bid on it. Bidding usually happens online. It’s normal for there to be several people bidding on one property at the same time.
You’re also welcome to place bids on several homes at the same time – though you should only bid on the homes you really want. If you bid on a home you’re not sure about and turn it down, it could make it harder for you to get a home in the future.
After a set period, the advert will be closed and the shortlisting process will begin.
Points and banding
During shortlisting, the council will look at each applicant's points or banding to work out how to proceed.
Each applicant has a certain number of points or a banding (i.e. Band A), which the council works out according to different factors, including:
- whether you’re experiencing homelessness
- the size and condition of your current home
- your connections to the local area
- your income
- whether you have turned down any previous housing association property offers
If you have more points or a higher banding, you’re considered to have higher priority needs.
If you’re homeless, you’re likely to be high on the priority list, to ensure you can be rehoused quickly.
Depending on your circumstances, you might get extra support when you use a CBL scheme. For instance, if you’re homeless, your local authority or housing association might place bids on your behalf to make sure you don’t miss out on a home that meets your needs.
If you’re looking for a home in a new location, having local connections to the area can affect how successful you are.
People often register with CBL schemes in other areas, but some local authorities might only accept you if you have a local connection to that area.
If your bid is accepted, the council will contact you with an offer for the property.
If you turn down this offer, the property will be offered to the next highest person on the property list. This will repeat until someone accepts the property.
If you reject an offer of a home through choice-based lettings, this might affect your priority, points or banding level in the future and make it harder for you to find a new home.
