Introduction to Hackney Choice
What is Choice Based Lettings (CBL)?
CBL is the way that Hackney Council lets its homes and is called Hackney Choice. The new scheme started on Friday 22 September 2006.
It affects everyone on the housing waiting and transfer list.
Those on the housing waiting/transfer list can choose which property they would like to live in.
Hackney Choice advertises available homes for rent from Hackney Council and Registered Social Landlords.
Properties are advertised in a free magazine, on a dedicated website and on touch screen kiosks.
The process of applying is called ‘bidding’.
Customers are able to bid by phone, text, on the website, at special kiosks or in person.
The highest bidder will be determined by their eligibility, priority and date order.
The five priority bands are:
- Emergency
- Urgent
- Priority/Homeless
- General
- Reserve
The benefits are:
- You get to see the properties available
- You choose the property you want to live in
- You have a better idea about waiting times
- No penalties for the first year
- A clearer picture of how the system works
How does Hackney Choice work – what’s new?
Under the previous scheme the Council matched people to empty properties when they reached the top of their band. Now the Council advertises all its empty properties giving people a chance to choose a property to apply for.
These properties are advertised from Friday morning to Monday night in a free magazine, on the internet as well as special touch screen kiosks.
You can apply for up to two properties a week.
There are five methods of bidding:
- 24-hour multi-lingual phone line
- in person at a Council housing office
- sending a text message
- using the internet
- a touch screen kiosk
With one exception*, the lettings policy has not changed, priority is still be given for the same reasons, and each priority band will be in date order. (* those assessed as needing 2 or more extra bedrooms are now in the Urgent band)
However, you will now get a bigger say in where you want to live rather than the Council allocating a property to you.
Who can use Hackney Choice?
Only those on Hackney Council’s housing waiting and transfer list.
Is the system fair?
Yes, the system is based on priority and need.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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