If you would like to apply to rent one of our homes, please apply online via Homelink (unless you are looking for a home in Uttlesford) or ask for advice at your local council. Unfortunately these homes are usually in short supply and we are unable to hold waiting lists. Please seek advice from your local council about other housing options, especially if you are at risk of being homeless. See our FAQs for how to apply.
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Looking to Rent a Home
Renting with CHS
- We offer tenancies of our available homes to people who have registered with Homelink and expressed an interest (called ‘bidding’) in that home
- You would need to be highly placed on a shortlist for that particular home to be considered for it
- If you are at risk of becoming homeless, your local council will provide urgent advice and in some cases may be obliged to find you emergency accommodation
Where do I start?
If you can’t afford to rent a property privately you may be able to live in one of our rented homes. Contact your local council and register online with Homelink. Your local council will assess your needs, looking at things like whether you’re overcrowded where you live now, and taking any medical or social requirements you have into account.
How does it work?
Most local authorities now use a choice-based lettings scheme, which means that available properties are advertised through their website. You can search for, and bid on, any property you want, giving you much more choice. Five steps to renting a home from us:
- Register with Homelink
- Use the Homelink website to look for a suitable home
- Bid for the suitable homes you prefer.
- If you are shortlisted for the property, we will meet you for a pre-tenancy assessment with you to make sure the home is right for you.
- If you are successful we will offer you the property. Before moving in we will need at least your first week’s rent payment in advance.
Mutual exchanges
Mutual exchanges are when you find another social housing tenant to swap homes with. They may be a CHS tenant, or with another landlord.
This option gives you the flexibility to decide which area you’d like to move to, anywhere across the UK. It’s normally the quickest option if you’re looking to move home. It gives you more control as you can choose a home that suits your needs better in a place you want to live.
As a CHS tenant, you can register totally free with the Homeswapper scheme to find someone to swap homes with.
Your tenancy agreement will outline your rights on mutual exchange. There may be reasons why you’re unable to mutual exchange, which are explained in our Mutual Exchange Policy. You would need to make sure that your rent is paid in full and up to date before you can complete a mutual exchange.
If you find someone you’d like to swap homes with, get in touch with us and we’ll explain the whole process. The other tenant will need to contact their own landlord.
Looking to Rent - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a CHS house for rent?
All of our available homes are advertised on the Home-Link website.
Do I need to be registered on Home-Link?
Yes, you need to submit an application online with proof of ID.
How long from my online application can I start applying or bidding for CHS properties?
Your local authority will let you know when your application has been processed and can begin bidding.
Are there any properties that I cannot apply for?
Sometimes there is a local connection requirement on some properties which would be included but these clauses are included in the advert for the property.
How often are the properties advertised?
The properties are advertised weekly on Home-Link.
How many properties can I apply or bid for?
You can apply for up to three properties at one time.
How will I find out if I am successful?
We will contact several people who are most likely to be successful to see if they are still interested and send out application forms and arrange a home visit.
If I am successful and offered a property, what sort of tenancy will I receive?
Your initial tenancy will be a starter tenancy for one year which, if there are no problems, will automatically convert to an assured tenancy for as long as you need it. This will be subject to you keeping to the terms of the tenancy.
How long does it take from my 'bid' for a property to moving into the property?
This process can vary but it normally takes four to six weeks, depending on any works needed and references coming back to us. You may be asked to make a decision more quickly if the home is already available.
Can I view the property before moving in?
Yes, an appointment will be made for you to view the property with the area’s Housing Officer. If you both agree it’s a suitable home for you, a time will then be arranged for the tenancy agreement to be signed.
How can I pay my rent?
The ideal way is by Direct Debit, which takes about 2 weeks to set up after your first payment which you can pay by cheque when you get your keys. Find out more about ways to pay your rent.
Does CHS carry out repairs and if so, which repairs?
Please see the Section 4 of our Tenancy Handbook which will tell you which repairs are your responsibility and which repairs CHS is responsible for.
Does CHS offer contents insurance?
No, it is your responsibility to ensure your house contents are insured. We have teamed up with Thistle Tenant Risks, and Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited who provide the My Home Contents Insurance Scheme, a specialist Tenants Contents Insurance policy. The My Home Contents Insurance Scheme can offer you insurance for the contents of your home including cover for items such as furniture, carpets, curtains, clothes, bedding, electrical items, jewellery, pictures and ornaments. – more information is available here
Does CHS maintain the gardens?
No, you are responsible for keeping your front and back gardens clear and tidy. We do deliver a grounds maintenance service for some communal sites – click here for more information
How much notice do I have to give if I want to move out?
You will need to submit written notice of four weeks starting from the first available Monday. More information is available in Section 9 of our Tenant Handbook