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All allocations and transfers are now managed through a scheme call Choice Based Lettings (CBL), which covers Council and Housing Association properties. The same scheme is used by seven different councils in this area (Babergh, Braintree, Colchester, Ipswich, Maldon, Mid Suffolk and Suffolk Coastal) to make the process easier to follow and give you more choice. Waveney District Council will be joining the scheme in January 2011.
How do I apply for a house?
You will need to log on at www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk and register online by clicking on the application form page and then clicking on the link at the bottom which says what to do if you do not have a log-in and complete an application form. Once you have done this, you will then be given a unique number so that you can use the site another time to view available properties.
Telephone: 01473 825757 (Council Housing Customer Services Team)
Email: housing@babergh.gov.uk
Web: online enquiry form
Minicom/textphone: 01473 825878
Moving House
If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant and want to stay within the social housing system, there are two ways of moving. You could apply for a transfer or a mutual exchange:
1. Transfer
You may have a large home and wish for something smaller or you may have had more children and need a larger home. To apply for a transfer, you will need to log on at www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk website and register online by clicking on the application form page and then clicking on the link at the bottom which says what to do if you do not have a log-in and complete an application form. Once you have done this, you will then be given a unique number so that you can use the site another time to view available properties.
Telephone: 01473 825757 (Council Housing Customer Services Team)
Email: housing@babergh.gov.uk
Web: online enquiry form
Minicom/textphone: 01473 825878
2. Mutual Exchange
For many tenants the best way of finding a more suitable home or moving from one area to another is to find another tenant to swap homes with. The law gives Council and Housing Association tenants the right to do a mutual exchange but you must have your Landlord’s permission and be eligible to exchange.
We no longer hold a Mutual Exchange register but the Gateway to Homechoice Group has recently joined House Exchange. The House Exchange website has been designed to bring people together from all over the UK who is looking to swap their home. You can register by visiting www.g2h.HouseExchange.org.uk. Please click on Mutual Exchange for more information about eligibility, etc.
Telephone: House Exchange on 01603 703729
Email: HouseExchange@circleanglia.org
Is Your Housing Need Urgent?
If you consider your housing need is more urgent please then contact our Customer Services Team on the 01473 825757.
An urgent need could include:
- Being homeless or about to be homeless
- Experiencing domestic violence
- Being in hospital and unable to return home
No Access to a Computer?
If you do not have a computer, you can get a friend or member of your family to register you and to do online searches. Alternatively you can use a public access computer such as in your local library or internet cafe. If you cannot access the internet, please contact us using the appropriate telephone number above.
You may also be interested in the following pages:
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