Oxford City Council

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where to a I find more information on Choice Based Lettings?

The Choice Based Lettings Guide on the Council website below provides more information on Choice Based Lettings and how to bid.

Choice Based Lettings user guide to bidding | Oxford City Council

 Frequently asked questions

 When can I bid?

 During each lettings cycle you can bid for up to three rented properties in a cycle only bid for properties that you are eligible for change your bids any time while the properties are being advertised, unless bids have been placed for you by Oxford City Council.

 Which properties can I bid for?

 The icons on the adverts show any rules about who is able to bid for a property. Please see the Advert icon guide.

 How do I know what size of property I can bid for?

 When you register for housing you will be told the smallest and largest size of property you can bid for.

 Can I change my bid?

You can log-in and check your queue position at any time during the lettings cycle. You can also decide whether to withdraw bids you have placed and bid on other properties instead.

Important: you should not withdraw any bids placed by the Council - for example if you are on the Homeless List.

How do I know where I am in the queue?

 When you bid for a property, you can find out where you are in the shortlist for that property. This information is available on the website. You then have the option to confirm or withdraw your bid.

 Is it better to bid early?

 There is no advantage in placing your bid early. If you do bid early, be aware that your position in the queue may change if other people with higher priority bid after you.

 How many bids can I make?

 You can bid for up to three properties for rent. You can withdraw bids and reuse them up to the end of that period, unless bids have been placed for you by Oxford City Council.

 What is a direct match property?

 Some properties are offered directly to applicants who have very specific needs outside of Choice Based Lettings. For example highly adapted properties.

 What is the minimum age?

 For most properties, you have to be 18 to have a tenancy. Properties that have been designated for older people will have age restrictions and these will be shown in the property details.

 What does maximum age mean?

 A small number of supported housing properties have a maximum age limit (for example, projects for young people). This will be shown in the property advert.

 What are disabled adapted properties?

 Some homes have been adapted to make them suitable for people with physical disabilities. These properties are usually reserved for applicants where a member of the household has such a need. However, where there is nobody on the housing register with such a need, the property may be offered to the person with highest priority.

 Can I take my pet with me?

 Some accommodation is not pet friendly and you should not bid if you have told us that you have a large pet or pets unless you can find another home for them. It is the decision of the landlord which pets are accepted.

 

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 Tips for successful bidding

Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you don't understand or want guidance, get in touch.

 Check the property adverts in every lettings cycle.

 Check your bids and change them if you are not high enough (unless the Council has bid for you).

 Be realistic. There are many more people seeking housing in Oxford than properties becoming available to let each year and not all can be housed by the Council and it's partners. Read the feedback tables and use this information to help you decide whether to continue bidding or to pursue other housing options to improve your housing situation instead.