Applying for a Home

Important note: -

The way council homes are allocated has changed. We have moved to a system that puts applicants into bands according to their level of housing need instead of the current points scheme.

From November 2009 all our available properties are advertised and you will be invited to 'bid' for ones that interest you. Properties will usually be let to the bidder with the highest priority.

If you are on the waiting list you should have received a form to re-register and join Homes in the City, the new smart way to look for council housing in Wolverhampton.

The easiest way to join Homes in the City is to apply online. Alternatively you can call at your nearest housing office or contact us.

If you would like further advice and support or information in other languages please click here

Advice and Support

Homes in the City is open to all sections of the community. If anyone is having difficulties using the system support and assistance will be available to meet individual circumstances. If you need help in using Homes in the City, please contact Homes Direct on 01902 556789.

We can:

•Explain how to use Homes in the City and provide training on how to use the website.
•Provide information in other languages and formats (such as in Braille, in large print or on audio tape). If this is required please contact the Community Partnership Team on 01902 554765.
•Tell you which properties you can bid for. The property adverts use symbols to assist you indentifying the type of property and its features for example number of bedrooms, type of heating, amount of rent payable, whether it has a garden.
•Give you information on other housing options, such as mutual exchanges, private rented accommodation or shared ownership.
•Help you to fill in your application form.
•Provide a link to up your street so you can find the exact location of the property and access to local facilities.
•Put you in contact with agencies which can provide further support.
•Arrange for a Lettings Officer to visit you if you cannot leave your home because you are seriously ill.
•Allow, with your permission, family member or support worker to place bids for you.
•Provide feed back about advertised properties that have been let which may assist you to assess how long you are likely to wait for a particular type of property or property in a particular location.
•Provide information on the council stock, this will include type and size and how frequently it becomes available
•Who bids where

How to Bid

Homes are advertised estate agent style, with a photograph of the property and lots of information such as whether the property is a house, flat, maisonette or bungalow, number of bedrooms, type of heating, rent details, eligibility criteria, adaptations, which band(s) can bid, reserved for local area connection and other useful information that will help you decide if this property is suitable for you.  

You can bid for up to three homes in any one advertising cycle, if you change your mind you can withdraw a bid and add another one. Bidding is available in a number of different ways, so you are able to choose the method that suits you. You can go online at Homes in the City, phone the automated phone line on 01902 555728 or text your bid to 07786201204. You will receive a message also confirming your bid has been accepted. If you are not eligible for the home or you have already made three bids you will also receive a message confirming this. Charges will be at your mobile provider’s standard rate. If you prefer, you can also bid in person at one of our six One Stop Shops or one of the tenant management organisation offices.

Remember you have to bid if you want to be considered for a property. Step by step guides to the different bidding methods is attached, but if you require help please let us know.

Properties will be let in accordance with the council’s allocation policy and  a copy of the policy is available on the Homes in the City website.

A leaflet ‘How the assessment bands work’ is now available which explains the bands and tells you what the new bands are and how they work and how medical or social need  can affect your assessment.

We aim to contact successful applicants on the Tuesday after the advertising cycle closes. We will then tell you what checks will be taken to confirm your housing circumstances; we will also need to see some personal identification. You will be given the opportunity to view the home and make a decision as whether you want to accept it or not. As soon as the property is ready and the sign up formalities completed we expect you to move in.

We will provide weekly feedback on the number of bids received; the band level the home was let to along with the band date so you can see how housing is allocated. We aim to make available general information on homes available to let housing stock, the type size and location and how often it becomes available for letting, along with estimated waiting times. This will help you know how long you are likely to wait to be allocated accommodation.

Any questions on how to join Homes in the City or bid for a home please visit your questions answered