Search for a Home

East Northamptonshire Council has changed the way that all social housing in the district is allocated in order to make the process of applying for a house clearer and fairer. Residents will have a 'property shop', giving them more information to help solve their housing need and more choice about where they want to live. Applicants for housing will be allocated a band, either 1,2,3 or 4 depending on the urgency of their need for housing and properties available to let from registered social landlords will be advertised to people on the waiting list. Those people can then "bid" for the properties they are interested in, rather than waiting to be offered a property, as was the case under the old system.

Since 1st January, Spire Homes has been managing East Northamptonshire Council’s Housing Options service known as Nene Valley Homechoice, which includes choice based lettings, housing advice and the homelessness service.

Our dedicated Housing Options team is based at the Newton Road Centre in Rushden. The team will process all housing applications, advertise properties, process bids and help answer customer enquire

To look for a home please visit the Nene Valley Homechoice website.

So what is choice based lettings?

This is a new way of finding a home to rent giving applicants more choice about where you want to live. Applicants can apply for properties that are advertised and then make a bid, dependent on what band you are in.

How is the banding worked out?

There will be 4 bands – Band 1 for those in the highest housing need to Band 4 for those in the lowest housing need. Priority cards will be issued to those in urgent housing need.

Who can apply for housing?

Anyone who has a housing need and lives in East Northamptonshire or who wants to move to the district. Applicants will still need to complete an application form. Relevant proof will be needed to support your application. Applicants aged 16-17 can join the housing register, but they must provide details of a guarantor, such as a parent, close family member or a representative from a support agency.

What is a bid?

A bid is simply an expression of interest in a particular property. When you bid, (see below for how to bid) we will recognise that you wish to be considered for that property.

What size and type of property can I bid for?

Applicants will only be able to bid for the size and type of property suitable for your need. Property advertisements will give details of the property (for example, number of bedrooms) and advise what household types can bid for a certain property. Remember you must be registered before you can bid.

Where will properties be advertised?

Properties will be advertised on a fortnightly basis:

• In the Evening Telegraph (fortnightly on a Wednesday)
• At the Rushden Centre, Newton Road, Rushden
• At a variety of outlets across the district
• Adverts can be posted to applicants who need this service
• On the Nene Valley Homechoice website from 1 April

How many bids can I make?

There is no limit to how many properties applicants can bid for. However, applicants must ensure that they only bid for properties that you feel you would accept if the tenancy were offered to you.

How can I bid?

Applicants can bid in the following ways:

• In person
• By post
• Telephone
• E-mail
• Text
• Internet bidding will be available from April.

Applicants will be able to nominate someone to bid on their behalf if necessary.

How do I know if I have been successful?

The applicant in the highest band with the earliest application date will be successful. The landlord will contact the successful applicant to arrange the viewing and letting of the property.

What if my circumstances change?

It is your responsibility to advise Spire Homes of change of address or any other changes. Failure to advise of any changes may result in any bids being null and void.

So what benefits will customers see?

• More choice for applicants
• Applicants will be able to see what properties are available
• Customers can see how and why properties are allocated

If you have any questions, please phone our dedicated Housing Options Service team on 0845 603 2227.

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