How do I apply?

We will consider all transfer requests that are made. However we will not normally accept you onto the transfer list if:

·         You are in rent arrears

·         You have been in your present property for less than 12 months

·         We are taking action against you for anti-social behaviour

·         Your property has outstanding repairs that are your responsibility

If you wish to apply for a transfer, you will need to complete an Application for Transfer form. You can do this on-line or by contacting us on 0121 766 1100. Once we receive your form we will arrange for someone to visit your home to discuss your transfer and carry out an inspection on your property.

How we process your application

We will aim to reply to your application within 21 days. When we receive your form we will assess your housing needs by awarding you a priority band of between A and C. We will also determine the size and type of the property that you will need. You will then be issued with a unique User ID and PIN.

How properties are let

We now let our properties through the Choice Based Lettings scheme called Birmingham HomeChoice.

Choice Based Lettings, is a way of letting properties that puts you in control of finding your home. This means that instead of being placed on a list and waiting for us to find you a property, we will advertise all of our empty properties and you tell us which ones you would be interested in making into your home.

Each week we will advertise half of our available homes along with properties from Birmingham City Council and other housing providers.

You can view these properties in any of the following ways:

·         Online at www.birminghamhomechoice.org.uk

·         By picking up the Property Newsletter from reception or any Neighbourhood Office

Once you have found an available property you can show your interest in the property by placing a ‘bid’ against the property either by:

·         Visiting our office

·         Visiting www.birminghomechoice.org.uk

·         By texting 07800 002 429

·         By telephoning 0845 601 9653

The remaining properties are made available to people registered on Birmingham City Councils waiting lists

What happens next?

Each week staff at Birmingham Homechoice will produce a shortlist of all the people who have ‘bid’ for each property. They will then contact the top six customers who are in the highest band and who have been registered for housing for the longest amount of time to attend a viewing. At the viewing if more than one applicant is interested in making the property their home, it will be let to the person who has been registered for the longest amount of time. If you feel that you may need any assistance or support in finding and bidding for properties please contact us.

How long will I have to wait?

This is dependent upon the type of property that you are looking for and the areas that you have chosen, there is more demand for certain types of properties and therefore you may have to wait longer for those.

Under this scheme you will only be rehoused if you actively look out for available homes and bid for those that you are interested in living in.

You should also consider other housing options that are available to you, for example low cost home ownership or a mutual exchange.