Guidance and frequently asked questions

To make your application process as easy and straightforward as possible we have put together a helpful guide featuring some of our most frequently asked questions.

• How do I apply for a property?

  We advertise all of our properties on Choice Based Lettings systems (CBLs) which are run in partnership with the Local Authority.

  In order to bid on properties, you will need to registered with the local authority, and you will be given a banding, dependent on your housing need. Once this is done, you will need to log on every week and bid on properties. If you are unable to do this, you would need to speak with the local authority directly.

  Occasionally we advertise our hard to let properties using different methods like Moving Soon or Facebook. Details on how to apply will be provided within the advert.

  It is important to understand that by registering with a local authority, that you are proceedable should you be approached about a potential property. If you are not in a position to move when contacted, you will be skipped and our officer will move on to the next suitable applicant.

• How important is my housing application?

  It is important that your application is relevant and up to date, if there have been any changes in your circumstances you must update your application as soon as possible. Ensure that you keep your contact details up to date, should you be offered a property, if this information is incorrect and we cannot contact you we will automatically skip you. Ensure that any supporting evidence is uploaded to your application as housing authorities will want to review these to ensure that you are the right fit for the property we are trying to allocate.  

• I am not sure my band is correct – what do I do?

  Your banding is assessed and decided on by the local authority (Council) as a housing provider we have no say in this.

  If you feel that the banding is not reflective of your current circumstances, then you would need to speak to the relevant local authority.

• I am having issues with my application and unable to bid on properties?

  There may be restrictions on the property that you do not meet (for example if you are a two-bedroom four-person household but the property can only sleep three people). Unfortunately, we cannot place a bid for you and we are unable to see the system from a customer perspective.

  In the first instance, you should contact the local authority for help.

• How do I bid?

  Depending on your local authority a bidding cycle for a property will last around a week, within this time you will be able to express an interest in the property. Per week you will have opportunities to bid on more than one property, which meets your housing need. The amount you can bid may vary between local authorities, and you should be told this when you register.

• Once I have bid on a property, what will happen?

  We try and shortlist as soon as we can after the bidding has closed, but this is dependent on how many empty homes we have at that time and how many people have bid. We also advise that we only contact top applicants and if the property is unsuitable, we will advise you of our decision. The important thing is to make sure your contact information is kept up to date.

• What will happen if I am successful for the property?

  You must ensure that by bidding on a property that you are able to move, on occasion we may give a small-time frame from acceptance to viewing and then sign up. Think and plan ahead where you can but please remember that until we have advised you that we are considering your application, that there is a chance we may decide your request isn’t suitable to the property.

  Once we have established that we are able to discuss your nomination, we will call or email you to complete a step into housing. This normally takes around half an hour to complete and we will ask personal questions in relation to your household, your housing need and your health. We would advise where possible, to ensure that you are somewhere private whilst we obtain this information.

  Our income team will be involved in this process to ensure that the property is affordable.

  After this process is completed, we can advise you if we can proceed on to viewing the property.

• When can I view the property?

  We will allow you to view the property when it is safe to do so. In instances, when someone is unable to attend a viewing, a family member or close friend can attend on your behalf, or we can arrange a virtual viewing.

   It is important to keep an open mind at the viewing, on occasion you may be seeing an unfinished property. We will try and give you as much information as possible as to what work we will do before its ready to let.

• Will the property be decorated?

  We decorate the property in a neutral colour, if however, you are in a position to decorate the property yourself we can offer you a paint pack to cover all essential items.

• Will the property be carpeted and furnished?

  Vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bathroom will be provided, but we do not provide other flooring. Sometimes we will gift (see below) carpets if they have been left in good condition by the previous tenant.

  We do not provide any furnished properties unless these have been left by the previous customer.

  If it is established that you may struggle in funding these items, we will refer you to our resettlement support worker, who will work with you for a brief period to ensure that household items can be sourced, and all bills and utilities are set up.

  There may also be local charities offering support with funding essential household items, so please discuss this with the tenancy officer who can advise you where possible or refer you to our resettlement officer.

• When should I give notice to my current landlord?

  We recommend you contact your current landlord, and they will be able to confirm this. We will keep you updated as to when we expect you to sign up, but please note that any dates we give may be subject to change.

• Will I be expected to pay any upfront?

  We do not take deposits, but you will be required to pay two weeks rent in advance before we will allow the sign up to take place. It is a condition that throughout the duration of the tenancy that this credit remains on your rent account. The payment will be taken before sign-up takes place.

• When can I move into my new home?

  We will advise you when the sign up will take place, we will send documents for your signature to your email address for you to sign remotely. Once it has been confirmed that your payment in advance has been made and all documents signed, we will contact you with the key code for your new home.

  Please note that on occasions you may be given very limited notice and you will be required to sign up on those dates given.

• What is an Age Restricted property?

  Age restricted properties are designed for older people and are usually let to people aged 55 or over. If a property is known to be harder to let, due to location or the property type, the age may be lowered slightly but as the landlord we will ensure sustainability for the whole community.

  There may be alarm systems inside some properties which are linked to an emergency out of hours provider.

  We also manage Tamar Court, which is an extra care scheme within Worle.

  All nominations for Tamar Court are provided by North Somerset Council and Alliance cannot nominate directly. To be considered for Tamar Court, you must be registered with North Somerset Council’s home choice and have an active care package and require extra support. Your nominated Adult Care, Social Worker then provides North Somerset Council with your information when a suitable property becomes available. It is worth noting that there is a waiting list for the scheme and nominations will be given to those at the top of the list and most in need.