How can I apply for properties through Basingstoke and Deane Homebid?
To bid for homes you have to apply and be accepted onto our housing register. To make an application please download the application form from this website, call the council on 01256 844844 and ask for an application form to be sent to you, or come in person to the council offices and collect an application form.
What other documents do I need to provide?
Along with your application form you will need to provide some documents from the following list. The housing register application form will explain which.
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Proof of children’s identity (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- Child Benefit award letter
- Tax Credit award letter
- Proof of children’s residency if joint custody (if applicable)
- Court Order
- Child Benefit award letter
- Statement of Arrangements
- Proof of address household bill
- Bank statement
- Proof you are no longer an owner of a property (if applicable)
- Solicitor’s letter confirming sale or transfer of ownership
- Statement from Land Registry
- Proof that notice has been served (if applicable)
- Copy of Notice/Possession Order
- Local connection
- Proof of eligibility to join the Housing Register
- Passport, Contract of Employment, last pay slip, certificate or card for Workers Registration Scheme
- Proof partner is eligible (if living outside of the UK)
- Home Office documents
- Passport certificate or card for Workers Registration Scheme
Before you are offered a property you may be asked to provide further documents to support your application. You will be told what to provide and when. All documents provided must be originals, up to date and valid.
What happens if I do not provide the required documents?
If you do not provide us with the documents required within one calendar month of submitting your form your application may be cancelled.
How do I know if I have been accepted onto the Housing Register?
You will receive a letter confirming that you have been accepted onto the Housing Register. This will tell you the band you have been placed in, the date your application has been registered from and the size of property you are eligible for.
Can you refuse to accept me onto the Housing Register?
There are some people who are not eligible to be included on the Housing Register, such as people with no recourse to public funds. If we cannot accept your application you will be provided with a full explanation.
Do I move up bands automatically?
No. Your position within your band may improve as other applicants above you are re-housed and you may move bands if your circumstances change, however this is not automatic.
What do I do if my circumstances change?
It is very important that you tell us of any changes in your circumstances so that we can amend your application. We will tell you if this results in your application moving to a different band. If you move up a band the date used will be the date you move into that band. If you move down a band the date used will be the date that applied when you were previously in that band or any earlier date when you were in a higher band.
Do I need to renew my application each year?
Yes, once a year, normally on the anniversary of your application you will be sent a declaration form, which you must complete and return within 7 days.
How long will I have to wait until I am re-housed?
It is not possible to give a time. To get an approximate idea of likely waiting times you should look at the recent lets to see the bands and effective dates of applicants who have recently been offered a home you would like. You can increase your chances of being re-housed more quickly by broadening your areas and property types.
How many homes are advertised through Basingstoke and Deane Homebid?
It is not possible to say as this will change each week. However, all 'general needs' homes will be advertised within the week they become available.
How often are properties advertised?
Properties available for rent are advertised each week.
Where are properties advertised?
Properties are advertised in the following ways:
- Online at www.Basingstokehomebid.org.uk
- In a newsletter available to view at various locations around the borough. A list of these is attached at the bottom of this page.
What information will the property adverts contain?
The adverts will tell you the landlord, location, size, rent and other features of the property. Where available a photograph of the property or a similar house type will be provided and you will be able to access information about the local area and facilities. The advert will also tell you if there are any special requirements that the applicant must meet, such as age requirements, which bands may bid for the property and which will be given priority for the property. It also tells you the number of bedrooms that applicants applying for the property need to be entitled to. If your bedroom entitlement is different to this you will not be able to bid for that property.
How do I apply for a property?
You can do this either through the Homebid website using the property search, on the phone number 0300 011 2460 or by text to 07781 482317. Each housing applicant has an identification number which we have given, which is used to log on to the website or enter when you bid by telephone or text. Each property also has a reference number which you use to make sure you have put a bid on the property you are interested in. The computer, phone or text system will confirm your bids have been successfully placed.
How many properties can I express an interest in?
You will be able to express an interest in a maximum of three properties each time properties are advertised. However, you will only be able to express interest in properties that are suitable for your family.
How long will I have to bid for a property?
Properties will be advertised from midnight on a Wednesday and you will be able to register your interest in properties up until midnight the following Monday.
Will any properties be excluded?
Certain properties may be excluded from the scheme such as housing where support is provided on site. For example, sheltered housing and supported housing.
What help can I get if I cannot bid for myself?
If you are not able to place bids for yourself, you can ask someone to bid on your behalf, such as a friend, relative or support worker. If you are unable to place bids for yourself and unable to ask someone to help you, please let us know.
Will I know how many other people are interested in the same property?
Yes, when you bid for a property you will be told where you are in the queue. This is likely to change frequently due to other people bidding for the same property. Using this information you may decide to withdraw your bid for one property and bid for a different property for which you are higher placed in the queue. You can do this at any time before the closing date.
How do you decide who is offered a property?
Once the closing date for bids has passed a shortlist of interested applicants is drawn up. The shortlist is in order of eligibility according to the criteria stated in the advert details for that property. The applicant at the top of the list will normally be offered the property.
Are there any reasons why a landlord might refuse to accept me?
Landlords carry out their own checks on the people who have successfully bid for a home. They look in to things such as if you have any rent arrears and if so how much, and if you have been involved in any anti social behaviour. They will also ask for a reference from your current landlord. It is possible that as a result of looking in to these things they may decide not to offer the home to you.
If I am offered a property, will I be able to view it before making up my mind?
Yes. You will be given an opportunity to view the property and decide whether you would like to accept it.
Can I keep placing bids if I have already been offered a home?
No. If we offer you a property you will not be shortlisted for any other properties until you have made a decision on the first offer.
What if I don’t like the property when I have seen it?
You will not normally be penalised for refusing a property that you have been offered and will still be able to express interest in properties that become available.
How will I know what has happened to the properties advertised?
The Recent lets page of the Homebid website gives feedback about the lettings. This includes how many bids were placed and general information about the bidder, such as the number of points that person had and how long they had been waiting.
How will this information help me?
It will give you a better idea of how popular a particular property type or area is and how long you would normally have to wait. You can then decide whether to look for other types of property or areas, or whether to consider other housing options such as to rent privately.
What other options are there for housing?
There is a shortage of social housing in Basingstoke and Deane. Most applicants on the Housing Register will have to wait a long time for re-housing and many of those in the lower bands will still have little chance of re-housing via the housing register. Depending on your circumstances you may wish to consider other options such as renting in the private sector.
How do I request a review of a decision?
Applicants have the right to request a review of any aspect of their housing application assessment made by the council. Requests for a review should be made in writing (including electronically to housing@basingstoke.gov.uk). You will normally be advised of the outcome of the review within 56 days.
