Step 2 - Choosing
Advertising Properties
Properties are advertised each week. A new list of current properties is available each Wednesday, and the weekly advertising cycle runs until the following Monday.
They are advertised in the following ways:
- Via Property Search on this website.
- In a newsletter available from the the Customer Service Centre at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Hall, and from various support agencies including CAB, Help Direct, Signposts, YMCA, Homeless Action.
- On display boards in the Customer Service Centre at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Hall, Signposts in Morecambe and the YMCA in Lancaster (other locations may be added in the future).
The adverts tell you the landlord, location, size, rent and other features of the property to help you decide which properties are right for you.
Where available a photograph of the property or a similar house type is provided and you can access information about the local area and facilities.
The advert also tells you if there are any special requirements that the applicant must meet, such as age requirements and which band will be given priority for the property. If you are not in the band stated you may still apply for the property providing it is suitable for your family size.
A range of symbols are used to tell you about the property.
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The property advertised is sheltered or extra care sheltered housing |
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The minimum or maximum age that an applicant must be to apply for the property (age restriction will be displayed within the icon when viewed on the Property website or the Newsletter) |
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The property has a garden |
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Expressing Your Interest in a Property (bidding)
To apply for a property you must tell us that you wish to be considered for it. This is known as placing a bid. You can only bid for a property that is suitable for your needs.
Remember - a bid does not involve any money. By bidding you are simply expressing your interest in a property, and telling us that you wish to be considered for it.
You can bid for properties in one of the following ways:
- Online through our website.
- By telephoning our 24hr automated bidding line on 0845 5058230
- By texting 447537404370
- By using the touch screen kiosks in Lancaster and Morecambe Town Hall. Our staff will be happy to show you how to do this.
Properties available to rent are advertised from midnight on a Wednesday to midnight the following Monday every week.
You will be able to bid for a maximum of 2 properties during the time they are advertised. Bids will not be accepted after midnight on a Monday. You will only be able to bid for a property that is suitable for your family size.
It does not matter when during the weekly cycle you place a bid for a property - bidding is not first come first served. For social housing accommodation (Council and Housing Association properties) all the bids placed for a particular property are placed in priority order based on band and waiting time.
For private rented and shared ownership accommodation, a list of names and contact details of all those who have bid for these properties is simply passed to the landlord of the property.
Properties Currently Available
To find out the properties currently available click Property Search.
Helping You to Use the Service
If you or someone you know would like help to use our service please contact Ideal Choice Homes. Click How To Contact Us for details of how to do this.