What is Choice Based Lettings?

Choice Based Lettings (CBL) is a way of letting council and housing association properties which improves the choice for people in housing need.

Applicants’ points are replaced with a ‘band’ which determines their priority. When homes become available to let they are advertised through free sheets or magazines and on the internet.  Applicants can then ‘bid’ on the properties they are interested in, rather than being offered a property that might be unsuitable, or at a time when they are unable to move.

At present, this type of allocation is used in the Boroughs of Kingston, Hounslow, and from September 2009 will be used in Elmbridge.

There are subtle differences between the schemes, but with all you must be registered with the Local Authority in order to have a user ID which will link your application to any bids you make. Contact details are supplied below.

Bids can be made on-line, by text message, by sending in coupons, and by telephone.

If a property has any adaptations or is more suitable for someone with restricted mobility this will be indicated im the advert and applicants meeting these criteria will be prioritised.

Vulnerable people will also be given assistance if required – if someone has been awarded high priority for re-housing yet is not placing bids they can be contacted and helped through the process if necessary.

For more information click on the link or call the telephone number below:

London Borough of Kingston or phone 0208 547 5470
London Borough of Hounslow or phone 0208 583 4422
Borough of Elmbridge or phone 01372 474474