Please ensure that you read the adverts carefully as priority is given to different groups on each advert. If you would like any advice, please contact us by phone or e-mail. Our contact details can be found by clicking "Contact Us" at the top right of this page.
When you log in to bid, please ensure you are aware of your Banding Code. This was given to you in the letter that contained your login details. The first part represents your Band (E,1,2,3, or 4) the second part (H, T, or R) indicates whether the council recognises you as Homeless (H), as an Affinity Sutton Tenant with an assured tenancy (T), or a general housing register applicant (R). This information will be used in adverts. Please see examples below:
Bids from Band E will be considered first. If none are received, priority will be given to Bands 1T, 2T, & 3T. This means that if no one in the Emergency category places a bid, then applicants who are Affinity Sutton tenants (with an assured tenancy) in Bands 1, 2 or 3 will be given priority. If you have a code containing H or R you are not likely to be successful and may wish to bid for another property.
Bids from Band E will be considered first. If none are received, priority will be given to Bands 1H, 1R, 2H, 2R, 3H, 3R. This means that if no one in the Emergency category places a bid, then applicants the council recognises as homeless, and general housing register applicants, in Bands 1, 2, or 3 will be given priority. If you have a code containing T you are not likely to be successful and may wish to bid for another property.
Applicants waiting to find out the result of their new application:
If you have submitted a new application and have not heard anything yet please be patient, we have many hundreds of applications to assess at any one time. It may take at least eight to twelve weeks from the date you submit your application. Some applications will be successful and will be added to the housing register. These applicants will be able to use the Bromley Homeseekers system to bid on properties. Many applications will not be successful and will not rejoin the register as the threshold for inclusion is high. These applicants will not be able to use Bromley Homeseekers. Everyone will receive a decision letter once we have assessed their application.
What is Bromley Homeseekers?
Instead of people being 'offered' accommodation, Bromley Homeseekers advertises properties on a website each week. It has been used successfully by many other local authorities and is designed to give more choice to people who are in housing need. If you want to be considered for any of the homes, you will need to register with Bromley Homeseekers. If you are registered and if you meet the criteria, then you can choose properties that you are interested in. We call this making a 'bid'. You can only do this if we have accepted you onto the Register and given you log in details to use the system. You can 'bid' for the property you choose either online, by text or by phone. Each property will then be allocated to the person or family with the highest need. Once the property has been let, Bromley Homeseekers will publicise how long the successful applicant had been waiting and what banding they had. This is to help you make realistic decisions about the homes you apply for and the options you pursue.
How do I use Bromley Homeseekers?
If you aren’t registered with us you will be able to view the properties that are available as well as look at the results of previous allocations. You’ll also be able to look at the housing options we provide. If you aren’t registered but would like to use Bromley Homeseekers and think that you have a housing need you will need to make an application. We will then assess your application. If you are accepted onto the register we will write to you, giving details of your banding, and will include a Homeseekers Pack telling you how to use the system.
What if I have an emergency housing need?
We will give you advice if you are homeless, threatened with homelessness or suffering from domestic violence or harassment. You should contact the Housing Needs Helpline on 020 8313 4098. In cases of domestic violence you can also contact the Community Safety Unit on 020 8284 8760 or for more information please see Bromley Council's domestic violence help pages. If you are an existing housing association tenant who has an emergency you should contact your housing officer for advice.
What do I do if I am having difficulty using this site or have a question?
First, please make sure that you've read the Homeseekers Pack. The answer to your question may be there. If it isn't or you have a question relating to your application you can:
- email us using the contact us page or telephone the Housing Needs Helpline on 0208 313 4098.
- Write to us at the Housing Solutions Team, Joseph Lancaster Hall, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.