HomeChoice banding system
When we have received your application form, we will assess your application using our banding scheme. You can download our HomeChoice information booklet or the full allocations policy for further information.
We will process your application usually within 21 working days, but in busy periods this will take up to 6 weeks. We will send you a letter confirming if your registration has been accepted and further information, including:
- your user number
- your registration date
- the band we have placed you in
- the number of bedrooms you need
- information about how you can view and bid for available properties
If you do not agree with the band you are in or have been told you are not eligible to register, you can ask us to review your application. You must do this in writing within 21 days of the date on the decision letter. We will look again at our decision and let you know the outcome within 8 weeks of the date of your request. Once you have received this decision, there is no further right of appeal to Warwick District Council.
Viewing and bidding on properties
You can browse the current property list on our website, but you will need to be registered with us to place a bid. You will need your user number to create an account. This is the number we sent you when you first registered on HomeChoice. Please keep this number safe. To create an account, enter your user number and personal details and set a password. Your password must contain at least six characters including one capital letter and one number.
The advert will tell you information about the property such as how many bedrooms it has, what floor the property is on if it is a flat or maisonette and if there is a lift. For more specific information about an advertised property you will need to contact the landlord.
Finding out if your bid is successful
If you are successful, the landlord of the property will contact you by phone, usually within 7 days, so it’s really important that you tell us if you change your phone number, otherwise you might miss out on the property. You will be provisionally offered the property whilst we check your application and take-up references from your previous landlord. Please note if you place a successful bid you will be required to pay one month’s rent in advance.
If you have not heard anything within one week, it means that your bid has not been successful, and you should continue to place bids for other available properties.
We publish details of the successful applicant’s band and their application date. This information can help you decide where you have the best chance of being rehoused and to consider other housing options available to you.
Change of circumstances
If your circumstances change, you will need to tell the Housing Advice Team. This includes telling us about the following changes:
- A confirmed pregnancy
- Any member of the family or any other person on the application who has left your household
- A change of name
- An addition to the family (we will need proof of residence and identity)
- Any change in income or savings
- Changes in status of accommodation (for example, you have received a notice to quit)
If you have changed address, you need to fill in a new application form. We may change your housing priority as a result.
After we have received your completed change of circumstances form, we will write to you and let you know if your HomeChoice application has changed as a result.
Download the HomeChoice change of circumstances form.