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Home Register for a home (Choice based lettings)

To apply for a Council or Housing Association property you will need to register for the Choice Based Lettings scheme. 

Once we assess your application we will send your registration details.

What is a Council property

Once registered you can apply for Council and Housing Association (Registered Social Landlord) properties that are available in the London Borough of Redbridge. In Redbridge, all housing stock is managed by 'Redbridge Homes'.

Applying for a Council property is done through the bidding system.

How to register  

You will need to complete a Choice Homes application form. You can get this form by:

  • downloading the Choice Based Lettings Registration Form (101kb) 
  • calling the Housing Advice Centre to be sent a form
  • pick up a form from the Housing Advice Centre, or one of our neighbourhood offices at, West Neighbourhood Office 152 Broadmead Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0AG and West Neighbourhood office, 113 Manford Way, Chigwell, IG7 4BX.  
  • If you are unable to collect a form we can arrange for one to e sent to you. 

Who can register

Anyone can register, however there is a set criteria that you will need to meet to give you a good chance of getting a property.

The criteria is set out in our Guidance Notes (35kb). This document also gives guidance on how to complete the choice based lettings registration form. You should read these notes before completing the registration form. 

Important: If you are categorised as a high priority we may contact you directly regarding properties.  We'll let you know if this is the case, here are some examples of high priority  (this is not an exhaustive list):

  • Tenants wishing to give up their Council property for a smaller property
  • People who require adapted properties

Over 55

If you are over 55 and are interested in applying for warden controlled housing (sheltered housing) please see the sheltered accommodation page.

What happens after I registerApplication Form

It takes about six to eight weeks to register you.  It takes this long because we need to check your eligibility for the scheme, and to assess your housing needs.  We will let you know whether or not you have been successful by post.  If you have been successful you will receive an introductory letter stating:

  • How many bedrooms you can bid for
  • When you can start bidding
  • The category of your need in the scheme (preference)
  • And information on how and where to apply for properties

Where can I see available properties?

  • All available properties are advertised weekly on Fridays, in Choice Homes (a free magazine) and on the Choice Homes website.
  • Touch screen kiosks are available in Council offices and libraries across the borough, as well as one stop shops and local housing offices and at libraries across the borough, which also have free Internet access.
  • If you are housebound or live outside Redbridge, you can contact the Housing Advice Centre so that copies of the magazine can be sent to you at home. 

Change of circumstances

If you move to another address or have a new addition to your family, it may effect your housing application.  You must therefore inform us of any changes as soon as possible by completing a change of circumstances form.

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