Choice-Based Lettings in Southwark

Southwark Council operates a choice based lettings scheme. Tenants can apply for a transfer under the scheme and bid for suitable properties as they become available. Properties are advertised weekly in Southwark’s Homesearch Magazine and online. Applicants can make one bid per week by phone or online.

Applicants are allocated to a priority band within the scheme. Following the closing date for bids the applicant in the highest band who has been in that band the longest will be the successful bidder for each advertised property.

There are four priority bands 1 to 4 band one being the highest priority and 4 being the lowest and therefore the higher the band the more chance an applicant has of successfully securing suitable alternative accommodation.

Band 1 is for:-

1. Under-occupiers
2. Families nominated by social services
3. Those affected by fire or flood
4. Tenants who need to move so that new homes can be built or old ones can be improved or repaired
5. Those to whom a statutory duty is owed because of overcrowding or court order

Band 2 is for:-

1. Those with urgent medical priority
2. Nominees of the single homeless nominations and allocations group
3. Young people leaving care nominated by social services
4. Those who need to move for their personal protection or to stop them being harassed
5. Those with multiple priority needs

Band 3 is for:-

1. Homeless people
2. People in overcrowded housing
3. Those with less urgent medical priority
4. Tenant’s whose relationship has broken down
5. Those whose current home lacks kitchen or bathroom facilities or permanent hot water or electricity supply

Band 4 is for:-
Everyone else who does not qualify for a higher band.

If you think that you may be in the wrong priority band we can check this for you. In some circumstances a challenge may be brought to the administrative court against a decision to place you in a particular band which you think is wrong.

*Disclaimer: The information on the Anthony Gold website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. It is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied.*