	Homefinder Torbay
	Torbay Council
	P O Box 357 Paignton Devon TQ4 7WY
	enquiries @homefindertorbay.org.uk
	01803 696 123

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Choice Based Lettings - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

If you’re already on the housing waiting list, you’ll automatically be registered with Homefindertorbay. If you’re a new applicant you’ll need to fill in a form to join the housing register. We’ll work out your housing need and place you into one of three bands - Gold, Silver & Bronze.

What if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change, perhaps because you have a baby, your medical condition gets worse or you’re about to become homeless, then you’ll need to fill in a ‘Change of Circumstances’ form.

If this means you move to a higher band then your ‘application date’ will become the day we receive the ‘Change of Circumstances ‘ form. If you move to a lower band, your original date can still be used.

What sort of home can I apply for?

The type of home you can apply for will be based on the number of people living with you:

If you’re a couple or you live on your own, you can only normally be considered for a one bedroom home.
If you have a child or two children under 7 you can apply for two bedroom homes. If the children are over 7 and different sexes - or are of the same sex but over 15 you can apply for three bedroom homes.
If you have two children, but their ages are more than 5 years apart, you may apply for a 3 bedroom house (applicants still have the option to bid for two bedroom properties).
If you have three children regardless of age or sex, you can apply for three bedroom homes. If you have more than three children you can apply for three or four bedroom homes. These are just examples and your family’s circumstances might mean that you’re offered a different size home.

What happens if I have a medical problem?

You will need to fill in a form that will ask about your medical condition, why your current home makes your condition worse, and why you want to move.

If you have mental health problems you will need to ask your social worker or another professional who knows about you and your condition, to fill in a special needs assessment form. An assessment will be made of your application. The decision will be based on your condition, the effect of your current home on your health and how your condition might be helped if you move to another home. We will tell you in writing what the assessment decides and if you’ve been placed in another band. If you disagree with the assessment and can provide more medical information, you can ask for a review of your case.

My home is in poor condition what should I do?

When you apply to register with Homefinder Torbay, the form will ask you about the condition of your present home. If you’re a private tenant or a home owner and you tell us it is in a poor condition, we will send you a housing needs report form.

The form asks for details of the property. An expert, usually a housing surveyor from your local council can come and inspect your home. They will decide what priority, if any, we should give - low, medium, high or urgent. This will affect the band you’re put in.

How will I know what band I am in?

Once we work out what band you are in we’ll write and tell you. If you disagree, you have 21 days to tell us why you think we are wrong and give us any more information that might help your appeal.