If you would like to rent a home from us, you’ll need to apply through your local authority’s Choice Based Lettings system. This page explains how it works, what ForHousing can and can’t do, and what happens at each stage of the process.
Choice Based Lettings (CBL) is the system used by local authority to advertise social housing.
When you register with your local authority’s CBL website, you can:
- Apply for social housing
- Be assessed for priority (banding/points)
- Bid on homes that suit your needs
The local authority manages the waiting list, not ForHousing.
Once a bid is successful, your details will be passed to us and we complete the final checks.
1
Register with your local authority’s CBL system
Choose the area where you have a local connection (e.g. Salford, Oldham, Knowsley).
2
Submit your housing application
You will need to provide ID, proof of address, and other documents.
3
The local authority will assess your needs
They will look at your situation and decide your band, priority or points. These terms describe how urgently you need housing.
- Band / priority level – a category that shows how urgent your housing need is (e.g. high, medium, low).
- Points – some local authority’s use a points system instead, giving you a score based on your circumstances.
- Higher bands or more points mean you are more likely to be successful when bidding.
Only the local authority will decide your band, priority or points. ForHousing cannot influence them.
4
Bid on available homes
You can only bid once you have completed the full application, and uploaded any documents or information. After this, you application will be made live.
In some circumstances, if you do not bid, your local authority will place bids on homes they deem suitable for your needs, this is called ‘auto bid’.
5
The local authority shortlists the top bidders
This is based on your band/priority and how long you’ve been registered.
6
If you are successful, the local authority sends us your details
We carry out checks and contact you about viewing or accepting the home.
We can:
- Provide information about our homes
- Carry out checks and arrange a viewing once you have successfully won a bid
- Help with any questions you may have on the moving in process
We cannot:
- Allow you to bid without a full housing application
- Decide who is successful on a home
- Speed up waiting times or move you higher on the list
- Change, add or remove points, bands or priority
Other housing options
You can also explore homes through ForLiving, part of the ForHousing family, offering modern homes to rent, buy or available through shared ownership.
You will need to access your local authority’s website for the area you would like to website to see what their choice-based letting system is and how you can apply.
Here’s the areas where we have homes:
Each one has its own rules, but most follow the same basic principles. To apply for social housing, you’ll usually need to:
- Be old enough to apply – most local authorities require you to be 18+, though some accept applications from 16–17 yearolds with support.
- Be legally allowed to live in the UK – not be restricted by immigration rules and have a right to rent.
- Have a local connection to the area – for example through living, working or having close family there. Local authorities often have their own minimum residency periods.
- Have a housing need – such as overcrowding, unsafe or unsuitable housing, homelessness risk, or medical/welfare issues.
- Meet financial criteria – as some local authorities have income or savings limits. Because criteria vary by area, it’s always best to check your local authority’s housing pages for the full details.
You must register on the CBL website for your local authority.
Your local authorities, not ForHousing.
Homes are allocated to the highest priority bidders. Some properties receive hundreds of bids.
No. Only your local authorities can assess your housing needs.
Waiting times vary by:
- area
- property type
- demand
- your band/priority
This depends on your local authority’s rules.
Some properties are very popular and receive a high number of bids. This means not everyone who applies for them will be successful.
Homes with more bedrooms, bungalows, and adapted properties become available less often. Because demand is high, waiting times can be longer.
Yes. Your band or points show the local authority how urgent your housing need is. Applicants in higher bands (or with more points) are more likely to be matched sooner.
Not everyone who registers for social housing will receive an offer. This is because the demand for homes is higher than the number available.
Waiting times depend on:
- your band or points
- the number of homes available
- the type of property you need
- how many people are bidding in your area
Every applicant’s situation is unique.
If your local authority nominates you for a ForHousing home, we will contact you to arrange:
- Identity checks
- Affordability assessment
- Property viewing
- Tenancy signup and movingin details
You will need to provide ID and supporting documents.
If you’d like support with your application, you can reach out to:
- Your local authority’s housing team – they can guide you through the process and answer any questions about eligibility or next steps.
- ForHousing – for friendly, general advice about applying (please note: we’re not able to advise on banding or bidding decisions).
Some local councils may give a higher level of priority through their housing allocation schemes if you are under‑occupying or overcrowded. They will assess your circumstances and decide the level of priority you receive. If you think this applies to you, please speak to your Housing Officer or contact your local council’s housing options team.
