- If I make a successful bid, what happens next?
- If my bid is unsuccessful, what happens next?
- I’m homeless. Can I choose a home through Choice Based Lettings?
- I can’t log onto Harlow Homefinder. What does this mean and what should I do?
- What does “Shortlisting” mean in the “see what happened to my past bids” section of the website?
- How far up the list am I?
- How long have I got to wait?
- What type of property can I bid for?
If I make a successful bid, what happens next?We will let you know of your offer by first class letter and will also try to contact you by telephone, it is important to ensure your contact details are always up to date. Once you receive the offer letter it will ask you to make an arrangement to view the property. You must do this immediately upon receipt of the letter. You only have 24 hours following the viewing to make up your mind although special arrangements can be made if you have any special needs or requirements.
If my bid is unsuccessful, what happens next?
We do not write to unsuccessful applicants. We publish feedback about the number of bids we had for each property and what band the successful bidder was in. To see the latest feedback report please look at the online Harlow Homefinder Freesheet. You will also be able to see your own feedback when you log into Harlow Homefinder, this will show your position on every property you have bid on but only once the prooperty has been let.
I’m homeless. Can I choose a home through Choice Based Lettings?
Yes. Although people who have been accepted as homeless and placed in temporary accommodation will have a time limit placed on them within which they must successfully bid for a property.
I can’t log onto Harlow Homefinder. What does this mean and what should I do?
If you have previously been able to log on to the Harlow Homefinder website but are no longer able to it will be because your application has been deferred.
The reason your housing register application is deferred is because we require some more information. Please contact the Housing Options & Advice Team on 01279 446644 to find out what information is required.
What does “Shortlisting” mean in the “see what happened to my past bids” section of the website?
Shortlisting is a status used when bidding for a property has closed and an applicant is being considered for that property. Every person that has bid on the property will see the status “shortlisting” on the website. The band date and priority date found in the box next to the property number is the information of the applicant we are currently considering for that vacancy.
How far up the list am I?
The housing register contains approximately 4000 people eligible to bid for properties advertised in Harlow Homefinder. With this number of people able to bid, each shortlist will vary, depending on who decides to make a bid. We do recommend that you use the feedback report as a guide to your position and to use this information to help you decide which properties to place bids on.
How long have I got to wait?
How long you will have to wait for public sector housing will vary from band to band. Higher priority bands will get housed quicker than lower bands even if they have been on the housing register for a shorter amount of time. There is no limit to the amount of time you have to wait before you will be housed nor is there currently any way of increasing your banding through waiting time alone. You may find that bidding on properties in less popular areas you are willing to consider may increase your chance of making a successful bid.
What type of property can I bid for?
You will be able to bid for:
- Property of a size that suits your assessed needs
- Specially adapted properties may be offered to those households with appropriate needs
- Sheltered accommodation will be made available only for people who meet the age requirements.