House in hand icon

Demand for social housing exceeds the number of available properties

It's why we're investing in new build housing developments to increase the number of homes available (www.boltonathome.org.uk/new-build-developments), and working to make empty homes ready for new tenants (www.boltonathome.org.uk/empty-properties).

We get more than 100,000 expressions of interest for our properties each year and for each home listed, there are on average 50 bids. Therefore, properties are allocated on a needs first basis.

Apply for a home

To apply for one of our rented homes, you'll need to register with your local council's choice-based lettings scheme before you can see available properties and bid on them.

This page explains what choice-based lettings schemes are, and how you can use them to apply for homes in the areas we serve.

We'd recommend reading the information on this page before proceeding to apply for a home through a choice-based lettings scheme.

You can scroll to continue, or tap a button below to jump to a section on this page:

Apply for a home triage: Choice-Based Lettings schemes

House and keys icon

Here's a summary of what choice-based lettings schemes are, and how they work

Back to the top

Choice-based lettings (sometimes abbreviated to CBL) schemes let you make choices on where you'd like to live based on your needs and preferences.

Most CBL schemes are operated by your (desired) area's local authority, meaning they can vary depending on where you'd like to live. Please note that properties from many other housing providers (not just Bolton at Home) are advertised on CBL schemes.

How do choice-based lettings schemes work?

As mentioned at the top of this page, you'll need to register with your local authority's choice-based lettings (CBL) scheme before you can see available properties and bid on any of them. We've included links to the different CBL schemes for the areas we serve below.

All CBL schemes work through a bidding and 'points' system. When our rented properties (including new build ones) are available on the relevant CBL schemes, new and existing tenants can place 'bids' (which do not involve money) on properties if they think they're suitable for them.

Most CBLs will have limits on how many homes you can bid on at any one time. It's important to ensure you only bid on properties you really want to avoid wasting your time.

When you sign up to a CBL, you'll be separated into a priority level (or 'band') based on your needs and current situation. This priority level (determined by 'points') affects the likelihood of you being successful when you bid on available homes, and is based on many factors, like:

  • your connections to the area,
  • the size and condition of your current home,
  • your income,
  • whether or not you're at risk of homelessness,
  • and more (but these factors can vary depending on the CBL or local authority).

Once a property is closed to bidding, applicants' bids are checked and the property is offered to the applicant that is highest on the priority list. Please remember that you could lose priority 'points' if you reject an offer for a home that you've placed a bid on.

House in hand icon

Before you continue: here are some of the most common questions we're asked about applying for homes through choice-based lettings schemes

Back to the top

New and existing tenants can use choice-based lettings schemes to place bids on properties they're interested in.

If you'd like to apply for one of our properties, you'll need to register with the relevant local authority's choice-based lettings (CBL) scheme for the area you'd like to move to.

So you can find the right CBL scheme for your area, we've included links to the different CBL schemes for the areas we serve (below these frequently asked questions). Just tap on the relevant area for details.

If your application is accepted and you're deemed eligible, you'll be placed on a waiting list.

You'll then be able to bid for homes that are suitable for you using the local authority's CBL scheme.

Look through the available properties on the choice-based lettings (CBL) scheme's website and select the property you wish to bid on. You’ll need to be logged in to place a bid.

You should only bid on properties that are suitable for your size of household. Remember that most CBL schemes will have limits on the number of active bids you can have at any one time.

When you find a property that you’re interested in, we suggest you know or visit the area before expressing an interest and check to make sure you meet the criteria for that property as it may not be appropriate for you.

If your bid is unsuccessful, you’ll need to submit a new bid on another relevant property. When you bid, you'll continue to compete with other applicants.

There is no special priority based on the number of bids you've already submitted.

If you've been successful in bidding for a property, we (as the housing provider) will contact you by phone, email, or letter, making an initial offer of the property.

It’s important you ensure that your contact details are correct before you confirm your bid on a property. If your contact details aren't up to date, you could miss out on an offer.

You’ll be able to view the property before you accept it.

If you've been successful in bidding for a property, we (as the housing provider) will be in touch to advise on what we'll need from you before confirming the property is yours.

This could include a reference from your employer, previous landlord, housing benefit form, or other details.

Pencil and paper icon

Where would you like to apply for a home?

Back to the top

While most of our properties are located in/around Bolton, we also have properties available to let across the region. Tap one of the buttons below to access more information on the choice-based lettings (CBL) scheme for that area.

Before you proceed:

Please remember that demand for social housing exceeds the number of available properties. It's why we're investing in new build housing developments to increase the number of homes available (www.boltonathome.org.uk/new-build-developments), and working to make empty homes ready for new tenants (www.boltonathome.org.uk/empty-properties).

We get more than 100,000 expressions of interest for our properties each year and for each home listed, there are on average 50 bids. Therefore, properties are allocated on a needs first basis.

Bolton Manchester Salford Tameside Trafford Cheshire East Cheshire West Rochdale Bury Oldham High Peak
Promotional graphic reading: 'Tenant of ours? Looking to move? Consider a home-swap. Mutual exchange is a great option if you're looking for: a larger property, a smaller property (i.e. downsize), or a different location.' Links to: www.boltonathome.org.uk/mutual-exchanges.

Have you considered a mutual exchange?

Are you an existing tenant of ours? Looking to downsize/upsize your property, and/or move to a different location?

We’d recommend considering a home-swap** with another social housing tenant if so. They don’t need to rent their home from us.

**Known as mutual exchange, this process could be a faster way to move compared to bidding for properties on choice-based lettings (CBL) schemes - and you can still mutual exchange if you don’t qualify for the housing register.

Some of the benefits of mutual exchange are that you’ll:

  • be more in control of the process
  • have a greater choice of properties
  • be able to move anywhere- provided your preferred home is available
  • be able to thoroughly inspect the other property to make sure it’s right before seeking our approval

Wondering how mutual exchange works and if you’re eligible? You’ll find everything you’ll need to know and our contact details at: www.boltonathome.org.uk/mutual-exchanges.

House and keys icon

Useful resources for new tenants

If you're successful in applying for a property, these resources can help you to prepare for your tenancy:

This guide helps tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities. It provides a checklist and more detailed information on each stage of the process.

Tap here to view a checklist from the government on how to rent a home (opens in a new tab).

You'll need to have one week or month's rent ready (depending on agreed payment frequency) if you're offered a property.

Tap here for details on all the ways you can pay your rent to us.

If you're successful in bidding for a Bolton at Home property, you'll need to have several documents ready otherwise the property may be passed to the next person on the waiting list.

Tap here for more information on preparing for your tenancy.