Uchoose - Choice Based Letting

Registering for UChoose Choice Based Letting.

 

 

 

 

 

UChoose is the new Choice Based Letting Scheme which has been designed to improve access to affordable rented properties.  In 2007 the Council joined forces with other Councils and Registered Social Landlords in the North Warwickshire and South Staffordshire area to develop UChoose Homes, a sub regional choice based letting scheme, which means that we can offer a wider choice, more control over where our applicants want to live.  This scheme was launched, on 1st July 2009. Apply online at www.uchoosehomes.co.uk. 

 

 

Similar sub regional schemes have been introduced over the last few years and have been successful in helping make the process for applying for a home, simpler, fairer, and easier to understand.  It also makes it easier for applicants and tenants to move between local authority, housing association and privately owned property. 

 

UChoose key objectives are to operate a common allocation policy that offers, realistic, informed choice for all.  To operate a choice based lettings system which is simple, easy to understand, transparent, open and fair.

 

 

Its introduction involved replacing our current points based system with a web based banding system.

 

Applicants will need to complete an online application form.

 

Instead of waiting for the Council to allocate properties, applicants are able to view adverts of vacant properties in a similar style to estate agents.  Applicants can express an interest (tell us which property they would like to move into) meaning they are able to have more control over where they live and the type of property to live in.

 

 

The banding system will be based on housing need and enables us to target those with the greatest housing need, while still allowing people to apply for re-housing:

 

Band 1 plus  -  for those who are statutory homeless and also some other housing need.

 

Band 1  -  for those in serious housing need.

 

Band 2  -  for those with less urgent need for re-housing.

 

Band 3  -  for those with some housing need.

 

Band 4  -  for applicants with no identified housing need.

 

 

The answers given on the application form will enable us to see which band you fall into and how many bedrooms you need.  We will write to you and tell you which band you are in to enable you to express an interest in a property of your choice.  Apply on line at www.uchoosehomes.co.uk

 

Typically a property would be offered to the person in the highest band who had been waiting for the longest time.

 

For more information on how the choice based letting system works go to www.uchoosehomes.co.uk

 

If you have any queries please contact us at uchoose@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk

 

Please view the latest edition of the Your Choice magazine attached below.