'homesforyou'
Can anyone apply to go on the Register and join the 'homesforyou' Scheme?
How do I start applying for
property?
How do I find out about
available homes?
How will
I know if the property is suitable for me or not?
What do I do if
I see a property I am interested in?
How long will I have
to respond to an advert?
What if I don't hear anything?
What kind of checks will be
carried out?
If I am offered a property, will I be able to view it before making up my
mind?
What if I
don't like the property when I have seen it?
How
will I know what has happened to the properties advertised?
How will this information help
me?
Will every property be
advertised?
Reviewing the register
What if I am homeless?
What if I need help to fill in a form or find out about available properties?
Comments, Compliments and complaints
Contact us
Useful
links
'homesforyou' is a choice-based lettings scheme introduced by Bolton Community Homes. This is a partnership between the Council, Bolton at Home and Housing Associations who have homes to rent in Bolton. The scheme has been designed to create greater choice for people looking for housing. This also means that you only have to fill in one form to apply for a rented home with any of the following:
(For addressed and contact details for the listed Housing Associations see link below to Housing Association offices, under Useful links)
Almost anyone. Anyone aged 16 or over can register an interest in renting housing in Bolton. By law, people subject to immigration control do not qualify for public sector housing.
You need to complete a simple registration form to join the scheme. When you have completed and returned this form you will be registered and a letter containing your registration date and number will be sent to you. We aim to process your application in 5-10 days of receiving it. Keep this safe when it arrives. This form is available by clicking on this link and completing the form on line (How to Register) or can be sent out to you in the post. Alternatively you can contact your local housing office (Click on useful links for details of your nearest office). A customer information leaflet is also available.
Once you have completed your form either post it to the Homes for You team (12 Silverwell Street, Bolton, BL1 1PP) or hand it in at any of out offices.
Homes available to rent will be advertised weekly, in the Bolton Evening News, on posters in Neighbourhood housing offices, Central Library and Town Hall. Alternatively you can view available homes on the website www.homesforyou.org.uk or by clicking on the attached links
Each property will have a short description, including the number of bedrooms, any special features and the rent. To ensure it is let most appropriately, it may say who preference will be given to, e.g. larger families will be given preference for a 4 bedroom house.
You can complete the coupon in the paper or contact any Housing office, or the 'homesforyou' team by telephone, or in person or via the website www.homesforyou.org.uk to express an interest. Please click on this link for further details - How to Express an Interest.
You can express interest in one to two properties per week.
One week. When the deadline has passed, the property will normally be offered to the person responding who has the earliest date on the Housing Register and who meets the lettings criteria, subject to certain checks being carried out.
If you have not been contacted within one week after the deadline, assume you have not been successful on that occasion and please try again.
These could include references from a current or previous landlord, confirmation of who you are, and that you and the property are a suitable match. Any previous or current rent arrears, property damage or anti-social behaviour will also be looked into.
Yes. You will be given an opportunity to view the property and if you like it, a date will be set for you to agree the start of your tenancy.
If you view the property and decide it is not for you, don't worry. You will remain on the Register and be able to express interest in other properties in the future.
Information about properties that have been previously advertised will be listed in all Neighbourhood housing Offices and at the 'homesforyou' office or by click on to this link (Expression Results). The information will include how many people applied for the property and the registration date of the customer who had been on the register the longest.
It will give you a better idea of how popular a particular property, or area, is and how long you may have to wait. You may then decide to look for other types of property or areas where you may not have to wait as long.
There will be certain circumstances when vacant properties will not be advertised in the normal way. One example is where landlords need to use vacant properties for temporary moves for their existing tenants.
We aim to review the register every year, contacting everyone to find out if they still wish to remain on the register.
The Council has legal responsibilities towards people who have nowhere to live or whose current accommodation poses an immediate threat. People who are assessed as being in immediate or urgent housing need will be able to express interest in available homes and will be considered before other customers, as long as the person and the property are a suitable "match".
If you need help, or want further information, contact our Homeless Welfare Section, the Housing Advice Centre or 'homesforyou' Team at 12 Silverwell Street, Bolton or alternatively click onto 'Homeless Welfare' under 'Useful Links'
There are people to help you! If your first language is not English, an appointment can be arranged with an interpreter. Information can be provided in Braille, in large print, or on audiotape. There is a Customer Support Team, at 12 Silverwell Street, Bolton, who are available to advise you at home or in the office. Contact Tel. number 335814.
If you would like more information, or have a comment, complaint or suggestion about how we can improve our services or complain to us about a service you have received. A form is available from reception areas, or by using the feedback link below or contact us directly on 01204 335765 and we will send you one. You can also give feedback in writing to:
Best Practice & Performance Team
Bolton at Home
FREEPOST NAT13006
Bolton
BL1 8ZZ
Or email
Housing.complaints@boltonathome.org.uk
'homesforyou'
Tel: Bolton (01204) 335811
Address: 12 Silverwell Street , Bolton BL1 1PP
E-mail: homesforyou@bolton.gov.uk
Web: www.homesforyou.org.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday:
9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm
Friday:
9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.00pm
www.homesforyou.org.uk (opens in a new window)
Homeless Welfare
Housing Advice Service
Neighbourhood Housing office contact list
Housing Association Contact list
Feedback Form
