Frequently asked questions
Are you currently on our housing register or waiting for a move? We have put together a list of all our frequently asked questions, so you can understand how our register works.
Is there any guidance to completing a housing register application?
You will find supporting guidance to completing a housing register application on the Solihull Home Options website.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
We aim to process your housing application within 10 days providing you have supplied all the relevant information to support that you qualify to join Solihull’s Housing Register
We will be in touch if more information is required. A letter will be sent out once your application has been processed and activated.
Should I fill out another application if I have not heard from you?
No, please don’t fill in another form. For an update, call 0121 717 1515 or complete a contact us form on our website.
How many properties can I bid on each week?
You have two bids each week. Always consider all property information before bidding.
Do I have to bid each week?
You should only bid on properties in areas that are suitable to meet your housing needs.
Failure to actively bid for suitable housing within your time restricted banding, or for other bands within the last six months, will result in your priority banding being reduced.
Why isn’t there anything to bid on?
We can only advertise properties when people give notice on their home. Our bidding system will only show you properties that are suitable for your needs. Occasionally we advertise properties for other social landlords.
What happens if I bid on another social landlords property, and I am matched?
We will send your details to them and they will contact you directly and make the decision to accept you as a tenant.
What is a direct match?
Some properties are direct matched to customers with specific needs. These are usually priority homeless applicants or people with mobility issues that need an adapted property.
Why have I been skipped on a property?
This is usually because the property is not suitable for you based on the information you have given to us. Please always read the property information before bidding.
How does the bidding system work?
When you bid on a property the system automatically puts all applications in band order from Band A to Band D.
It will then order all applications by date order so the person with the highest priority band and the longest wait time is successful first.
Do I have to finish number 1 for a property to be successful?
No, you don’t. We often contact applicants and they refuse the property. If this happens, the next applicant becomes successful. You can be contacted about a previous property weeks or months after bidding, which you may not have been successful for at the time.
Can I move if I am in rent arrears?
Usually no, unless previous arrangements have been agreed with the Income Collection Team.
I have a medical priority, why am I being skipped?
This is usually because the property does not meet your medical needs.
What happens if I am matched to a property, and I am already a tenant?
We will arrange a pre-vacation visit to check your property is of a good standard. If the pre-vacation visit passes, we will arrange a viewing of the property you have been offered.
How much time will I get to move?
This will depend on when you view the property and if it is ready to let. Once the property is ready for sign up, you will then have around one week before your tenancy starts.
Can I leave rubbish in my property for SCH to remove?
No, please remove all your rubbish otherwise we may charge you.
Do you arrange removals?
No, you will need to organise your own removal service.
What notice do I have to give if I am moving to another social landlord (Housing Association)?
If you’re successful with another social landlord from bidding on the Solihull Home Options website, you need to complete a Notice to Vacate form and give us one weeks’ notice starting from the following Monday.
If you’re moving to another social landlord, but not through the Solihull Home Options website, you need to complete a Notice to Vacate form and give us four weeks’ notice starting from the following Monday.
Where do I take my keys when my tenancy ends?
Take your keys to a Solihull Connect office or put them in the post box at the front of Endeavour House.
Keys must be returned before 12pm on the Monday your tenancy ends. The keys must be clearly labelled with your name and full address. Please note that if you take your keys to Solihull Connect, you will be required to take a ticket and wait to be seen by an advisor. You will be given a key receipt to confirm the time they were received.
What happens if I hand my keys in late after 12pm?
If your keys are returned late, you will be charged rent for each week you have the keys.
I have an urgent enquiry, who should I contact?
We understand you may still have questions about your housing application. We will contact you if we need more information. However, if you have an urgent enquiry which cannot wait, please call us on 0121 717 1515.