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- Chelmsford
Chelmsford
To rent a home you may need to:
- Be aged over 18. If you are aged 16 or 17 contact your local council
- Have a housing need
- Meet the right to rent criteria (England only)
- Complete an affordability assessment
Each area has a set of rules for how housing is allocated. Check with your choice-based lettings provider for details.
How to apply for a home
Applications for homes are managed by:
HomeOption
Register or login to their website to search and bid for a home.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a home
Have your housing needs assessed
A housing assessment tells you:
- If you can apply for housing
- What your housing priority is
- What size property you could get
Changes to your circumstance can affect what housing you qualify for, so keep your information up to date.
Your choice-based lettings scheme will tell you how to have your housing need assessed.
Register with your choice-based lettings scheme
Your choice-based lettings scheme will tell you what information and documents you need to register.
Keep your details up to date so you don't miss out on a housing opportunity.
Search and bid for a home
Visit your choice-based lettings provider to search and bid for a home.
Wait for an update about your bid
You will receive an update either directly or via your choice-based lettings website.
If you've been successful for a Home Group home
If you’re successful, there may be further documents we’ll ask you for. We’ll let you know when we get in touch.
You will need to complete an affordability assessment to check the home is right for your financial situation.
Receive your formal offer
You will receive a letter with your formal offer.
View your home
As soon as the home is ready, we’ll invite you to a viewing.
You also need to make sure we have all the documents we’ve requested.
Get ready to move in
We’ll keep in touch with you until your home is up to our standards and ready to move in.
We’ll take you through your tenancy agreement and ask you for your first rent payment, then the keys are yours.
Here's a handy list of things to do before, and just after, you move in: download the moving in checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a home directly from you?
In this area we don't rent our homes directly, instead we use a choice-based lettings scheme.
What is a choice-based lettings scheme?
Choice-based lettings schemes use a bidding process, which lets you express your interest in a home.
The number of times you can bid is sometimes limited, so check with your choice-based lettings provider.
Bidding for a home doesn't guarantee that you will get it. In many locations bids are a ranked as priority from highest to lowest based on housing need.
Why might I need to complete an affordability assessment?
We are committed to helping our customers avoid financial hardship. It’s important your home is right for your needs.
When can I see the home?
If you’ve been matched with a home and once the home is ready, we’ll invite you to a viewing.
I’m not happy with the decision you’ve made about my housing application. How can I appeal?
An appeal can be made by an applicant in writing, by telephone, email or in person and should be received within 10 working days. Here's how to get in touch.