Choice Based Letting Allocation Policy

Hertsmere is changing the way it allocates properties from a points based system to a system of choice based lettings (CBL).

The key difference between CBL and the traditional way of allocating housing is that properties which become available for let are advertised in a variety of ways such as on the internet and in council offices, instead of being offered to the person on top of the waiting list.

Choice Based Letting will make the allocating of social housing properties simpler as it allows people to make a choice about where they want to live.

Advertisements will contain photographs of properties with useful information such as the rent details, Council Tax banding and neighbourhood facilities. Applicants interested in particular properties can then register their interest in these properties by making a “bid”.

Applicants who are unable to view the advertisments by internet or pick up a magazine will be sent details of vacant properties to their address.

Hertsmere have teamed up with Watford, St Albans, Three Rivers and Welywyn and Hatfield Council’s, to offer applicants the opportunity of moving to neighbouring areas.  This will be done by advertising a small number of vacant properties which applicants from the five boroughs can bid for.

To make the scheme easier for applicants to use Hertsmere and its partner Council’s will be using a common assessment criteria.  This means that your application for housing will no longer be assessed using points, but by using a simpler banding system.

In preparation for Choice Based Letting, Hertsmere have reviewed their Allocation Policy.  We would welcome your views on the draft Allocations Policy (below):

Draft Choice Based Lettings Policy 

• Draft Choice Based Lettings Allocation Policy
• Assessment Criteria Appendix A  

Please send all comments to housing@hertsmere.gov.uk. We look forward to hearing your feedback.