How to bid for available properties
We are a member of Kent Homechoice, a partnership of district councils and housing associations operating in Kent. It was set up to provide Choice Based Lettings (CBL). CBL enables applicants to bid for suitable properties. In this context “bid” does not involve offering money; here it means the same as “apply”. After a property is let, feedback about the number of households that made a bid, the priority band of the successful applicant, and their priority date is available to view to all bidders on Kent Homechoice. This helps applicants to understand the availability of suitable properties, their likelihood of success when applying and the possible time they could be waiting.
The need for affordable housing greatly exceeds the supply, so CBL should be considered as one of a range of options available to applicants seeking housing. Information and advice on all available housing options can be obtained from our Housing Solutions Service.
The bidding process
If you have been accepted onto our housing register, you will receive a housing register activation and bidding advice email which confirms your unique TMBC reference number, band, band reason, priority date and bedroom need. You will also receive information on how to bid and the importance of notifying us of any change in your circumstances.
All housing association partners will advertise homes that are available to let in our borough through Kent Homechoice, and each property will be available for applicants to place bids on for a minimum period of 5 days. Every advert will show the bidding closure date and you will have until the end of this date to bid for the home. The adverts will also give you information about each property such as size, rent, accessibility etc and a photograph will be included.
At any given time, you can place as many bids as you wish on properties being advertised that meet your households needs.
You can bid in the following ways:
- On the internet - Sign in on the top right of this page and follow the instructions on screen.
- Auto Bidding - If you would like to have bids placed for you automatically without you having to log in you can contact your Local Authority and ask for auto bidding to be set up for you.
- Staff assistance – by contact our Customer Service Team on 01732 844522.