Step 6: Shortlisting
Once bidding closes, we create a shortlist of applicants. We order the shortlist by housing band first and then by banding date.
If you are shortlisted, we will write to you to confirm this. If you successfully bid for a property, you will not be able to place any more bids.
Shortlisting, assessments and viewings
The council or the relevant housing association will contact shortlisted applicants for each property.
We may arrange a home visit to complete a pre-tenancy assessment. If appropriate, we will also give you a date and time to view the property.
Please note, being invited to view a property does not mean you have been offered the tenancy.
If you accept a council property and the keys are available, the tenancy will usually start on a Monday. Start dates may differ for housing association properties.
Refusing a property
If you tell the council or housing association that you no longer want to be considered for a property, and you would otherwise have received an offer, this will count as a refusal.
If you refuse an offer of accommodation, we will shortlist the next eligible bidder.
Affordability assessment
Before we make a formal offer, the landlord will carry out an affordability assessment.
If the assessment shows that you cannot afford the tenancy, the offer will not go ahead.
In these circumstances, we will refer you to the Green Light to Housing programme.
Your housing application will be suspended while you take part in the programme. It will remain suspended until you are reassessed and found able to afford a tenancy.
If you take part in the programme and are later assessed as able to afford a tenancy, we will reinstate your application using your original banding date, provided your housing circumstances and need have not changed.
If you do not engage with the programme within three months of being referred, we will review your application and it may be cancelled.
Preparing to move
You can prepare for your move by visiting the Tenant Academy: preparing to move page.