Step 5: The bidding cycle
Things you need to know
Use this page to understand how bidding works, what happens after you bid, and what to do if you cannot place a bid.
How bidding works
How many properties you can bid for
You can have one active bid in each advertising cycle.
You can move your bid to another property as many times as you like during the same cycle.
When to place your bid
The time you place your bid does not affect your priority for housing.
You will not be prioritised differently if you bid at the start or end of the cycle.
When the bidding cycle closes, your place in the queue depends on:
- your housing band
- your banding date
There may be times when we need to withdraw a property from the bidding process.
Changing your bid
You can move your bid from one property to another at any time during the bidding cycle.
The property your bid is on at any time is your active bid.
At midnight on Tuesday, your bid can only be active on one property. This is the bid we will consider when we allocate properties.
You cannot move your bid after midnight on Tuesday.
You do not need to bid every week
You do not need to bid every week. This does not affect your banding.
Only bid for properties you are willing to move into.
After you bid
Your position after bidding
We cannot tell you your bidding position.
Properties are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are successful for a property, we will let you know.
If you can place a bid in the next cycle, it is likely that you have not been successful for the property you bid for.
How we decide who is offered a property
After the closing date for bids, we make a shortlist of people who have bid for the property.
The shortlist is ordered by eligibility, using the criteria in the property advert.
If you are successful, you will be contacted by one of the following:
- the landlord of the property you bid for
- the council
- the housing association partner’s lettings team
We will need to complete further checks before we make any offer. This is to make sure you still meet the criteria.
Bidding after you have been shortlisted
If you are shortlisted for a property, you cannot bid for other properties until an outcome has been decided.
Changing your mind after being shortlisted
If you refuse a property after being shortlisted, you may no longer be eligible to bid for other properties.
If you have problems placing a bid
There are several reasons why you might not be able to place a bid.
You have not registered your account
You need to register your account before you can bid for properties.
Select “Register and bid for the first time” on the registration page.
If you have problems registering, read our guidance on how to register for bidding for the first time.
You cannot see any properties
If you cannot see any properties after selecting “Place a bid”, there are no properties you are eligible for in that cycle.
You can refresh the page to check again.
The bidding site is not working
If there is a problem with the bidding site, we will add an update to our council housing webpage as soon as we can.
You do not have a live application
You cannot bid if you have not made a housing application.
If you have made an application, you may not be able to bid because your application has been cancelled or suspended.
If you still have problems bidding, email housing@swindon.gov.uk.
If you do not have access to a computer
If you do not have access to a computer, you can ask a family member, friend, or support worker to place a bid for you.
If you are offered a property
Giving notice on your current property
If you are a Swindon Borough Council tenant and you are offered a property in writing, you must give at least four weeks’ notice to end your current tenancy.
If you are a housing association tenant, contact your current landlord for more information.
If you rent privately, contact your current landlord. Your tenancy agreement will explain what notice you need to give.
Tenancy types
We offer new council tenants a one-year introductory tenancy. This is followed by a secure tenancy.
Read more about tenancy agreements for council homes.
Housing associations usually offer a one-year starter tenancy at the start of your tenancy.
For more information about housing association tenancies, visit the housing association’s website or contact them directly. You can also view the directory of Swindon housing associations.
Paying rent in advance
For Swindon Borough Council tenancies, you must pay one month’s rent in advance when you sign the tenancy agreement.
We may consider a lower amount in some circumstances if one month’s rent in advance is not affordable.
If paying one month’s rent in advance may cause difficulty, tell us when we first contact you about the property.
For housing association properties, the property advert will say if you need to pay rent in advance. The housing association may also confirm this if you are offered a property.
You still need to pay rent in advance if you get Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.