main content A guide to the common housing register

The common housing register is currently closed. You can still let us know that you wish to join the register via Bromley Homeseekers and we will contact you when the register reopens.

Some housing associations also have their own transfer registers. If you are a housing association tenant and urgently need re-housing, you should enquire about joining their register as well as the Council's.

Broomleigh Housing Association does not hold a separate transfer list but if you are a Broomleigh tenant and have an urgent need to move you should contact your housing officer to discuss your situation in more detail.

What is Bromley Homeseekers?

Instead of people being ‘offered’ accommodation, Bromley Homeseekers advertises available properties on a website each week. This way of allocating property has been used successfully by many other local authorities and is designed to give more choice to people who are on the housing register.

If you want to be considered for any of the homes, are registered with Bromley Homeseekers and you meet the criteria, then you can apply. We call this making a ‘bid’. You can ‘bid’ either online, by text or phone for the properties you choose. These will then be allocated to the person or family with the highest priority and who have been waiting the longest. Bromley Homeseekers will publish how long the successful applicant had been waiting and what priority they had. This will help you make realistic decisions about the homes you apply for and the options you pursue. To look at the site in more detail please visit the Bromley Homeseekers website.

What can I do while the register is closed?

You can put information about your circumstances into an online self assessment form that will give you an idea of your likely banding when the register re-opens. If you still want to continue with your application you will be directed to a new screen where you can leave your name and address, phone number and email address.

Will you contact me when the register opens again?

Yes, if you leave your details as advised. If you still want to make an application, it will start from the date you completed your self assessment.

How do I access the self assessment form?

You can access the self assessment form at www.bromleyhomeseekers.co.uk . If you don’t have access to a computer at home you can use the computers in your local library. Or you can call 020 8313 4098 and an officer will take your details so you can be contacted when the register re-opens.

Can anyone help me with the self assessment form?

Yes, the staff at your local library have been trained how to use the Bromley Homeseekers website and will be able to assist you. Alternatively you can contact the Housing Solutions Team who will complete the form for you over the phone (contact details below).

What if I have an emergency housing need?

We will still give you advice if you are homeless, threatened with homelessness or suffering from domestic violence or harassment. You should contact the Housing Options and Advice Team on 020 8313 4098. In cases of domestic violence you can also contact the Community Safety Unit on 020 8284 8760.

If you are an existing housing association tenant who has an emergency you should contact your housing officer for advice.

Eligibility

As demand for housing association properties far exceeds their supply, our housing policy ensures that the people in the greatest need are housed first. Joining the common housing register is no guarantee that you will be successful in obtaining alternative housing and you may wish to consider other options.

Anyone may apply to join the common housing register and all applications will be assessed. However, not all applicants qualify to join the register. For example:

• People subject to immigration control do not qualify unless they are exempted by the regulations of the Secretary of State. For more information, contact the Housing Solutions Team (contact details below).

We give individual consideration to people we think would otherwise be able to afford to obtain accommodation in the private sector.

If you  are eligible for the common housing register you will be placed in one of four allocation bands. The bands are based on different degrees of housing need and are held in date order.

Contacts

For further information please contact The Housing Solutions Team:

Telephone: 020 8461 7686
E-mail: housingsolutions@bromley.gov.uk

Address:
Housing Solutions Team
Joseph Lancaster Hall, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH