How to Register

In order to register for a home you need to register on the Home Options Scheme.

You will need to apply by registering on the Home Options Scheme (other Choice Based Lettings Schemes will apply if you live outside South Norfolk, Broadland and Norwich – please ask your Area Housing Officer for information).

You can register online at; www.gnhomeoptions.org.uk or by contacting South Norfolk Council Housing and Advice Team (01508 533633).
homeoptions@s-norfolk.gov.uk or contact us on 01508 532044 if you need
assistance.

With effect from 7th October 2011 you will no longer be able to make online applications and will need to contact South Norfolk Council directly on 01508 533633.

In November 2007 Home Options was launched as a new way to apply for housing in South Norfolk, Broadland and Norwich; it is a way in which you can actively apply for housing instead of having to wait for an offer from the Councils.

The scheme gives applicants a greater choice over their future home.

How does Home Options work?

Step 1 – Banding (Priority on the scheme)

All applicants have their needs assessed by the Council and are placed into one of the following bands (listed in order of descending priority):

• Emergency Band
• Gold Band
• Silver Band
• Bronze Band
• Low Need Band

Step 2 – Choose & Bid

Available properties will be advertised each week in the following ways:

• On the website
• Through digital television
• Through public access computers available at a range of locations (including Saffron’s offices, libraries and South Norfolk Council offices)
• In a newsletter, available to applicants who require additional help

The adverts

The adverts will tell you all the key information about each property including location, size, rent and other features of the property to help you decide which properties to apply for.

Note; your eligibility to bid for a property will also depend on your household size.

Expressing your interest in a property

You can bid (apply) for up to two properties each week in the Council area where you are registered. You can bid in one of the following ways:

• On the Home Options website.
• By telephone.
• By text message.
• Using a public access computer
• Using digital television

What determines my registration date?

All applicants will be awarded a registration date. This is essentially the date you applied to join the particular Council’s register. This date will determine who is successful in being offered a property where two or more people from the same band apply for the same property.

Step 3 – Offer

All bids received will be put in priority order to produce a list of eligible applicants for each property. The applicant with the highest priority will normally be the one in the highest band with the longest registration date. For example, if more than one person from the emergency band bid for a property, the person with the highest priority would be the one who has been waiting the longest. If your name is at the top of the priority list you will normally be invited to view the property by the landlord.

What if I need help?

If you need advice or help to use the scheme there are a number of ways you will be able to get that help. If you think you will need regular help to use the scheme, you (or a friend or relative on your behalf) can let the Council know and they will discuss with you the best way in which they can help.

Once registered you will receive information including;

• Your housing application number (to enable you to bid)
• The band your application has been placed in and your registration date.
• The number of bedrooms and property types you are entitled to

Once you have received this information, you will need to check the available properties each week and bid for those that wish to live in and for which you are eligible.

If you are having problems bidding please contact our lettings team on 01508 532044/42.