Housing options and social housing guide

Contents

• Overview
• Helping you stay in your current home
• Helping you find alternative accommodation
• How to make a social housing application
• Housing Options and Homelessness privacy notice

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How to make a social housing application

We do not have any council housing of our own. We work in partnership with housing associations including The Guinness Partnership, Plus Dane Group and Peaks and Plains Housing Trust. We also work closely with other registered social landlords in the area to help you access social housing. 

How to apply

You apply through the Cheshire Homechoice website. Here’s how:

1. Register - First you need to register on the Cheshire Homechoice website (if you are not confident about using the internet you can contact us on 0300 123 5017 Option 1 Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
2. Evidence - You may be asked to supply supporting evidence before your application and access to Cheshire Homechoice is activated.
3. Banding – Your application will receive a priority band from A to E, A being the highest.
4. Search – Check the Cheshire Homechoice website each week to see what’s available.
5. Bid - You can bid (express an interest) for up to two homes at a time. Your Bidding is free and based on your banding and how long you’ve been waiting.
6. Assessment - The landlord will review bids and assess whether the home suits your needs and if you can afford the rent.
7. Receive an offer – You will have an interview and an opportunity to view the home. 
8. Complete the paperwork - If you accept the offer, the landlord will help you with the legal paperwork.

How social housing applications are assessed

Every application is assessed and given a priority banding between A and E. A being the highest and most urgent priority. 

You can read the social housing allocations policy (PDF, 390KB) to learn more.

Banding summary

Band A

• Statutorily homeless
• Armed forces personnel with a serious disability and housing need

Band B

• Under homeless prevention or relief duty 
• Significant overcrowding or poor property condition
• Ready to leave commissioned supported accommodation
• At a significant risk of harm or detriment in your current home
• Care Leavers or armed forces personnel with additional housing need

Band C+

• Homeless or at risk of homeless with no duty owed

Band C

• Overcrowded
• Under occupation of social housing
• Your home is impacting on a medical condition
• Your home is impacting on your welfare

Band D

• You do not meet any of the above criteria

Band E

• Reduced priority

Other social rented accommodation

Not all Housing Associations are partners with Cheshire Homechoice. Some have their own application process. 

Housing options for older adults 

If you’re an older adult and need extra support, there are housing options available to help you live independently. Find out more about Housing with care and support.