Q & A

 

What is North Yorkshire Home Choice ?

Its a choice based lettings scheme and the way we allocate  social housing in the  localities of Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire,  Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby.

We operate a single housing register and social allocations policy, giving applicants access to a wider area to find a property. 

Currently properties in the locality of Harrogate are not allocated through North Yorkshire Home Choice 

York Council is a standalone unitary authority and not part of North Yorkshire Home Choice
 

How do I apply for social housing and access to the NYHC housing register ?

You will need to complete an on-line application form.  You can register by clicking on the link at the top of this page but do read our privacy notice before you provide your information 

Do I have to provide any supporting documentation ?

Yes, you will need to provide documentation to support your identity and eligibility for housing and information to enable your application to be assessed.

How will I know if my application has been accepted ?

You will receive a confirmation letter to say your application has been accepted. The letter will also inform you of your registration number and password, your registration date and the band your application has been assessed for and will include the type of property and the number of bedrooms you can bid for.

What is a Band ?

It is how we assess your priority for housing. We operate four bands and these are allocated following an assessment of your housing need.

Is everyone who applies accepted on the register ?

No. Following the Localism Act 2011 North Yorkshire Home Choice operate a "closed" housing register which means that we operate an eligibility and qualification criteria.

How long will I have to wait for a property ?

It is not possible to say how long you will need to wait to be housed as the demand for housing in North Yorkshire is high and we have more people on our housing register than there are available properties. We will therefore  not be able to help everyone who applies to us to secure housing. It is therefore important that you look at all housing options that may be available including registered social housing landlords, private rented homes and the mutual exchange system. 

What do you mean by the term  "Bid" ?

This is an expression of interest on a property and does not mean you have to pay any money.  You will be advised on the type of property and number of bedrooms you are eligible to apply for and you will be able to bid on a maximum of  3 properties each week.

Can I bid on any advertised property ?

No, you should only bid on properties that you have been assessed for. Bids on properties that you have not been assessed for or where you do not meet the advertised criteria will be a wasted bid and you will be overlooked or "skipped".

How do I bid on a property ?

You can bid in a number of ways

  • Online through this website

  • By text to 07537 402495,

  • The automated telephone bidding line – 0300-011-2170

  • Contact your local Council office

If I am first to bid on a property will this give me priority ?

No.  Bids can be placed at any time during the property advertising cycle. The advertising cycle is open from Thursday until Tuesday. When the advertising cycle is closed all bids received will be sorted and ranked in order of priority.

What if I change my mind on a bid placed ?

You can withdraw a bid at anytime during the advertising cycle

What happens if I am successful and offered a property I don't really want ?

If you decline a suitable property this will count as a refusal.  Where 3 offers of suitable accommodation have been refused following bidding then your application may be removed from the NYHC register for a minimum of 12 months.

What happens if I am top on more than one property shortlist ?

You will be contacted and asked which property you would like to be considered for.

How often are properties advertised ?

Properties are advertised weekly. Properties are advertised from Thursday until Tuesday.  No bids can be placed on a Wednesday.

What is the Good tenant Scheme ?

This is an incentive scheme for tenants of current founding partners and particpating who meet a specified criteria. Details of the criteria can be found under section 2.12 of the allocations policy. Current Founding Partners and Particpating landlords are listed on this website.

I thought City of York were a partner of North Yorkshire Home Choice ?

City of York made the decision to leave the North Yorkshire Home Choice Partnership in April 2022 to operate their own social housing register and social allocations policy.  York are not part of North Yorkshire Council 

What happened to the housing applications they administered ? 

City of York council contacted all applicants they administered housing applications for, through a series of communications. Housing applications were either transfered to an alternative housing partner or closed on 28th July 2022.

City of York closed my housing application. Can I apply to North Yorkshire Home Choice for housing ?

If you meet the current eligibility and qualification criteria of the NYHC social allocations policy  then you may make a new application for housing.  

I want to apply for social housing in York ?

If your looking for housing in the local authority of York please visit the City of York Council website www.york.gov.uk for further information