Frequently asked questions
Below are frequently asked questions that will provide a useful guide to help you understand how the Choice Based Lettings Scheme works.
- What is the Choice Based Lettings Scheme?
It is a scheme which aims to give Council Tenants, Registered Social Landlord Tenants, people on the Housing Register and in temporary accommodation a choice of where to live by choosing their own home. We use Home Connections to advertise and let Enfield Council and Registers Social Landlord properties that become available for social renting. The advert is run every week with properties advertised from Wednesday to Sunday.
- Who can use the Choice Based Lettings Scheme?
There is a serious shortage of Council and Housing Association homes available in Enfield and homes are let to those in greatest need. If you have registered for Housing, you will be told if you have enough points to bid on a social rented home.
- How do I bid on properties?
Once you have registered for housing you will be told how many points you have and what size of property you have been assessed as needing. The number of points you have will reflect your particular circumstances and how long you have been on the Housing Register. If you have enough points, you will be sent your user ID and PIN to start bidding for available properties.
- How can I see homes that are available?
To view available properties, click on Search & bid for properties .
- How can i view properties if I do not have internet access at home?
If you do not have Internet access at home, one hour free Internet access is available in all Enfield libraries. If you do not know how to use the Internet, library staff can assist you with accessing the system. You will need to book a training session with them in advance, for which there is a charge.
- What properties can I bid on?
You can bid on properties that match your assessed bedroom need. You will not be able to bid on homes larger than you need. To increase your chances of being successful with your bid, you should try and bid on all types of properties, in all areas of Enfield and on all floor levels. If you limit the types of properties, area and floor level, it will take you longer to find a home.
Council and Housing Association homes are let to those in the greatest need. For example, priority for ground floor properties will be given to those who have a medical recommendation stating they need a ground floor property. Please refer to your Housing Assessment Letter for any health & wellbeing restrictions.
You can bid on a maximum of 3 properties each week.
- What happens after the bidding period closes?
Shortlisting will take place within 72 hours and the top three bidders identified as suitable for the property will be contacted by phone and advised they will be invited to view the property and their shortlist position i.e. first, second or third placed bidder.
Once the property is ready to view, the bidders will be contacted by the Rehousing Team and given the date and time of the viewing and asked to bring some identification with them (e.g utility billl, driving license or passport). Please ensure we have an up to date telephone number & email address for you.
- What happens at the viewing?
Shortlisted bidders will view the property at the same time. Once the property has been viewed, bidders will be asked whether they want to accept the property. The Lettings Officer will make arrangements with the successful bidder to sign the tenancy agreement and a tenancy start date will be set.
- What if I am unsuccessful with my bidding?
If you are unsuccessful with your bidding and would like information on alternative housing options then please check the Enfield Council website
https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/housing/options-for-moving-home/
for further information on social welfare, landlord and tenant issues, and advice on the following:
· Advice to find a home
· Practical and financial help is available to help you move
· Advice on paying for your accommodation
· Housing benefit and welfare rights
· Rent and service charge arrears
· Advice on keeping your home
