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Kent Homechoice customer questions
Does Kent Homechoice include supported (sheltered)
housing?
Yes, these properties will be included in the
scheme.
Are housing association properties advertised in the same
way?
Yes.
Are all properties advertised and are they empty?
No. Some properties may be offered outside of
the scheme, for example, where there is an emergency or if the
property is adapted for special needs. Sometimes properties will be
advertised before they are empty.
If a property is advertised will it always be offered?
No. On some occasions it may be necessary to
withdraw a property from the scheme.
If several people bid for a property how will you decide
between them?
If there are several bids for the same property
from applicants within the same band it will be offered to whoever
has been waiting the longest.
I owe the council money; can I still bid?
No. You must not have any outstanding debt with
the council.
Can I still look for a mutual exchange?
Secure tenants will continue to be able to use
the mutual exchange scheme.
I have a history of anti-social behaviour. Can I still
bid?
No, we may suspend your application if you have
a history of anti-social behaviour.
How many properties can I make a bid for?
You can bid for up to three properties per
bidding cycle but you can only bid once for the same property.
What happens if there are no bids for an available
property?
The property may be re-advertised in the next
available cycle.
Can I apply for a property that is smaller than my needs?
Yes. Under the scheme applicants are entitled to
apply for any property of their choice which is smaller than their
existing accommodation or smaller than their existing needs. Offers
will not be made where statutory overcrowding would happen or where
a landlord has specified the maximum household size required.
Can I apply for a property bigger than my needs?
No, we cannot offer properties that are bigger
than the applicant’s needs.
I have joint or partial custody of my children. Will I be able
to bid for properties that are big enough for them to live with
me?
No. Where a child has accommodation with one
parent, they will be considered to have permanent accommodation and
so cannot be included in any application for housing by the other
parent.
How long will it take for me to be housed?
It will depend on the availability of
properties, the banding and waiting time of the others who have bid
in the same property.
Can I view a property before deciding whether to make a
bid?
No. You will be able to view the property if a
successful offer has been made.
What if I view a property and decide I do not want to take
it?
There is no penalty for refusing an offer via
the scheme (except where the offer prevents homelessness). We will
simply offer it to the second successful applicant.
What happens if I don’t make any bids?
It will be up to you to actively try to find a
home you want. The council will not approach you with an offer.
What happens if I need help completing the application form,
finding available properties or making a bid?
You may nominate a friend, relative or advocacy
worker from an appropriate agency to apply on your behalf. They can
also contact us and make arrangements for a member of staff to act
as an advocate.
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