Applying for Council Housing

UChoose Choice based lettings - Frequently Asked Questions

Choice Based Lettings - Customer Information

We're changing the way you apply for housing so that you can tell us which vacancies you are interested in being considered for.

You can apply for council housing including flats, bungalows and sheltered accommodation online at UChoose https://www.uchoosehomes.co.uk/

Here are a few questions that you might ask about Choice Based Lettings and UChoose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UChoose?

UChoose is the new Choice Based Lettings Scheme, which has been designed to improve access to affordable rented properties. The Council is working in partnership with seven other councils (see map of areas participating in Uchoose) and five Housing Associations in the North Warwickshire and South Staffordshire area, which means that you can choose properties in more areas. Also see leaflet Your Guide to Uchoose.

How does it work?

Available properties to rent are advertised on a regular basis and customers can express an interest in them through the UChoose website or by telephone 01827 715341.

Who can apply to join?

Anyone over the age of 16 can apply to register onto the UChoose scheme, but you need to be 60 and over for sheltered accommodation.

How do I apply for UChoose?

New customers wishing to find a council home, council tenants wanting to move to a new property, flat, bungalow or sheltered scheme, will need to complete a housing application form online or over the telephone 01827 715341.

If you are already on the Council's housing register, your details will be automatically transferred to the UChoose Scheme and you should have received a username and password to log on to Uchoose.  If you haven't received a user name and password or have forgotten your details please ring 01827 719314 or email housingservices@northwarks.gov.uk.

What if I need help completing the form?

Our staff are trained to help you complete the form. You can ask for advice from our housing team or from our One Stop Shop 01827 715341.

What identification will I need to provide?

Once you have filled in your application on Uchoose you will be asked to provide some identification documents as follows:

For your Identity : a recent Driving Licence, valid Passport, original Birth Certificate or National Insurance Card.

For your address : Bank Statement, Benefit book, Gas or Electricity Bill, mobile phone bill.

These can be provided in the following ways:

Email scanned images to housingservices@northwarks.gov.uk

Post photo copies to Housing Services, North Warwickshire Borough Council, South Street, Atherstone, CV9 1DE

Visit our Contact Centre and we will copy them for you.

*Remember, always send your Uchoose Reference Number with any documents or correspondence*

What is the anticipated length of time between submitting documents and being able to access the Uchoose system?

Documents will be processed within 10 working days.

How will you assess my application?

We will continue to use the banding system currently in operation which means we can prioritise those with the greatest housing need. All customers are assessed on their housing need and placed into one of four priority bands. The answers you give on your application form will enable us to see which band you fall into and how many bedrooms you need. You will be notified of the decision in writing. If you disagree with the assessment, you will be able to appeal - see Common Lettings Policy.

How will I know which properties are available and how do I say I'm interested in a property?

We will advertise available properties on UChoose and in the One Stop Shop. Advertising flyers will also be available in public areas such as libraries and Citizens Advice Bureaux offices.

The adverts will advise you of each property's landlord, location, rent, size and special features etc. They will clearly state which applicants can express an interest for which properties and whether there are any restrictions, for example, bungalows many be advertised as for over 60's only. "Express an interest" means that you wish to be considered for a certain property.

If you see a property advertised and you meet the criteria, you can express interest through our Uchoose website, by telephoning 01827 719314 or visiting our offices - online you do this by

1. logging in to the Uchoose website using the user name and password provided
2. finding a property you are interested in
3. clicking on the EOI button (Expression of Interest).
4. How to Express an Interest in a Property leaflet

The closing date will be clearly stated in the advert. If you are successful, you will be notified and made an offer within 5 days of the closing date.

When will Choice Based Lettings be implemented in North Warwickshire Borough?

All of our properties are advertised on the UChoose site.

What Sub Regional Partnership has North Warwickshire Borough Council joined?

North Warwickshire has joined the UChoose partnership, which includes seven other councils and five Housing Associations in the North Warwickshire and South Staffordshire area.

The partners include: Cannock Chase Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Home Zone Living, Lichfield District Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, South Staffordshire Council, Tamworth Borough Council, Trent and Dove Housing.

If you have any further questions about Choice Based Lettings, please contact us on:

Email housingservices@northwarks.gov.uk

North Warwickshire Borough Council, The Council House, South Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1DE

Tel 01827 719314

Choice based lettings - Map