Housing allocations - council home/lettings

LOCATA is a central lettings agency that works with its partner councils and housing associations to advertise homes. When you register for housing you automatically become a LOCATA member. You can then search for a home and bid for suitable available properties.

If you wish to register for the scheme, please complete an online housing application

The assessment of eligibility to be a member of Locata is explained in the Council's Letting and Transfer Scheme.

If we decide you are not eligible, we will write to you and let you know why.

If you are eligible we will let you know what priority band you are in and the date of your registration in the band. An explanation of priority banding and dates is given in the Council's Letting and Transfer Scheme.

Generally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for us to assess your application. If you have not heard from us after 3 weeks please contact us via the contact details on the right.

You can contact a housing options officer by calling the numbers - contact details on the right.

 

Once someone is accepted by LOCATA, the following procedure takes place: 

 1. Vacant properties are advertised on the internet in an e-magazine called Locata Home. To download or view Locata Home please go to www.locata.org.uk

Members can bid by telephone, text message, coupon or via the internet and can place bids for properties on the Harrow pages of the magazine, the cross borough pages or Housing Association pages.

3. At the close of bidding, all eligible bids for each property are placed into priority order. Priority is first decided by band and second by date order within each band.

4. In order to minimise delays we may arrange multiple viewings for up to five members per property. You will have to bring proof of identity to the viewing

5. If eligible, you will receive a letter inviting you to view which will contain directions of how to get to the property

6. We prefer to confirm your identity with you before you view a property although sometimes we may be able to do this at the viewing or after. However, we cannot sign you up to a tenancy if your details have not been confirmed.

7. If your bid is successful you will be offered the property and invited to sign for the tenancy

8. If you refuse the property, the next person is selected unless you have been given a 'direct' offer. Direct offers are given if the Council has a legal duty to provide you with accommodation. If you have a direct offer you will need to explain and discuss your reasons for refusing it with a senior officer. The senior officer will advise you on your options before the next person is selected.

9. For council properties, the tenancy commencement date will normally be the first Monday following the signing of the tenancy agreement. Different housing associations may have different arrangements. You should check with the housing association for details.

10. Eligible members may bid for properties