Rent a Home

You may be able to apply for a home with BCHG if you:

• Are aged 16 or over (applicants under 18 will need appropriate support, such as a guarantor)
• Have the right to live and rent in the UK
• Meet our eligibility and affordability checks
• Are registered with a local authority housing register, where this is required
• Do not already own or hold a tenancy elsewhere, unless this will end as part of being rehoused

Some applicants may not be eligible, or may have reduced priority, if they have:

• Serious rent arrears or former tenancy debts
• A history of serious anti-social behaviour
• Previously breached a tenancy with BCHG
• Provided false or misleading information

All applications are considered individually, and we will make reasonable adjustments where needed.

Homes are allocated based on housing need.

Most applicants are prioritised using a banding system, either through a local authority scheme or BCHG’s own waiting list. Priority may be given where there is:

• Homelessness or risk of homelessness
• Overcrowding or unsuitable housing
• Medical or welfare needs
• A need to move to give or receive care
• Exceptional or emergency circumstances

Where applicants are nominated by a local authority, we normally rely on the priority assessment they have made.

We allocate homes through a combination of:

• Local authority nominations
• BCHG’s own waiting list
• Choice-based lettings schemes, where applicants can bid for advertised homes

In general:

• Approx 50% of our re-let homes are offered through local authority nominations
• The remaining homes are offered through BCHG’s waiting list
• New-build homes are usually allocated through nomination or local lettings agreements

Before making an offer, we carry out checks to make sure the home is affordable and suitable, and that the tenancy can be sustained.

Applicants will normally receive one reasonable offer of accommodation.

Each home has criteria to make sure it is suitable for the household. This can include:

• Household size
• Property type
• Medical or accessibility needs
• Age-restricted housing
• Local lettings plans agreed with the local authority

Homes are allocated to make the best use of available stock while meeting individual needs wherever possible.

In some situations, homes may be allocated outside the usual process. This includes:

• Emergency situations, such as domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns
• Temporary or permanent moves linked to major repairs or safety issues
• Transfers to make better use of housing stock
• Exceptional direct offers approved at a senior level

All such lets are made in line with our policy and recorded to ensure fairness and transparency.

BCHG is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that people have different needs and will make reasonable adjustments to support applicants wherever possible.

Providing false or misleading information is taken seriously. If this happens:

• An application may be cancelled
• An offer may be withdrawn
• A tenancy obtained by deception may be ended

Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence, and BCHG actively works to prevent and investigate it.

You can find more information on tenancy fraud here.

If you believe a decision about your application or priority is incorrect, you can ask for a review. Information on how to do this will be provided in writing.

If you remain unhappy after a review, you can make a complaint through our Complaints Procedure.