Rented Housing

Orwell provides a variety of properties for rent from studio flats to large family houses. These homes are mainly let through Choice-based lettings schemes operated by local councils across East Anglia. Some councils do operate separate housing registers and it does vary depending on which area you wish to find a home in.

What are Choice-based lettings schemes?

A Choice-based lettings (CBL) scheme aims to give housing applicants more choice and control over where they want to live.

Properties are advertised and the council uses housing need as the basis for allocating homes. Once you are registered, you will be told what kind of properties you are able to bid for.

There are a number of different schemes operating depending on where you would like to live. Each of the CBL’s will be able to advise you on how the different schemes work.

Generally properties are listed weekly or fortnightly in newspapers or on a web page. If you are interested in a property, then you will have a certain amount of time to 'bid' on it. Once bidding has finished, you will be notified if you are successful. To find out more about the available schemes, please follow one of the links below.

Offer of a Home

Before you receive an offer of accommodation, if you live in an Orwell property, you will be visited by one of Orwell’s housing officers. This visit will be to check your circumstances and clarify any particular needs you may have.

If you will be moving or transferring into an Orwell home, you will need to complete Orwell’s Housing application form. We will contact you to arrange an accompanied viewing with the housing officer. If you are moving to another social landlord they will usually have a similar procedure. If you are made an offer of an Orwell home, this offer will be confirmed in writing.

What happens if I wish to take up the offer?

If you wish to take up the offer:

• We will agree a tenancy start date with you.
• You will be invited to Orwell or the property to go through what the offer means.

What will happen at this meeting:

• You will learn about your rights and responsibilities.
• You will sign the tenancy agreement.
• Pay a month’s charges in advance.
• If required, complete a Housing Benefit application form.
• Make arrangements to receive the keys for your home.
• Receive more information about your new home and the community.
• Receive more details about Orwell’s services.

This meeting will take approximately 1 hour

During this time you will be shown a short film which explains some of your rights and responsibilities as the resident, and our responsibilities as your landlord.