Locata
The Locata website advertises almost all the available council and housing association homes.
You will need to register on the website and then decide whether you want to be considered for any of the available properties. If you are interested in a property you can make a bid for it either online, by telephone, via DigiTV, through text message or by coupon.
When the bidding deadline has closed, the person with the highest priority (greatest housing need) is asked to view the property. You may then be offered the property by the landlord.
How do I bid?
You can show your interest in a property in a number of ways:
on the internet
by telephone
using Digi TV
by SMS text message
by coupon
All bids must be received by the advert deadline - if you wish to be considered. You will receive full details, in the post, of how to bid in the 'Scheme User Guide' pack once you register.
Each advert will clearly state if a home is available to applicants, who want to move from a council home.
Some properties may also be reserved for certain types of applicants, depending on the landlord's policies. Any restrictions will be made clear. This should help you decide whether you want to bid for the property or not and if you are eligible for that property.
There are some additional rules about bidding for elderly and sheltered accommodation, and for homes adapted for disabled people.
After the closing date, the landlord of each property will receive a list of all of people who have bid for their property. If your name is at the top of the priority list, you will normally be invited to view the property. If you are refused this property, the next person on the ‘short list’ will be offered the property.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to notify you individually when your bids have not been successful. If you have not been contacted regarding a property you have bid for, you should assume that you have been unsuccessful.
What happens if I’m offered a property?
If you are offered a property, we will check all of the information you have given us on your application. This is to make sure that your situation is still the same at the time of the offer and you still require that type of property. We will also check with your current landlord to check if you have any rent arrears or have any housing related debt.
How long will I have to wait for a property?
There are approximately 9,500 households included on Hounslow's Housing Register at present.
Last year (2009/2010), there were only 919 properties available to rent. Most people waiting for housing will never be offered a property because the number of people registered is much higher than the number of properties we have available to let each year.
It is very difficult to estimate how long it may take you to be offered a property from the housing register as it will depend on your circumstances, banding, the type of property you need and what you bid for. Most people will never be offered a property from the housing register, so it is important that you explore your other housing options if you really need to move.
How do I apply?
To join Locata, you must first complete our Housing application form.