Important Information

We currently have a high number of housing applications to be processed which is taking longer than our expected 10 day service standard.

If you have completed a housing register application and you have not received a reply from us yet, please do not complete another application.

We are working hard to process all applications as quickly as possible and  apologise for this delay.

A letter or email will be sent to you as soon as the application is processed.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown to joining the housing register.

Please note, if you are homeless or have mobility need and require an adapted property, the process may be different.

Online application

Complete an online application on the Solihull Home Options website by visiting http://www.solihullhomeoptions.org.uk

Please make sure you complete both parts:

  1. Initial registration (which allocates you your pin number)
  2. Application Form

Please note: We have a 5 month backlog but we’re working as quickly as we can to get through it.

 

 

Processing your application

Please wait for your application to be processed – this usually takes around 10 days.

Whilst your housing application is being processed you will not be able to make any changes.

  

Further information

Once your application has been processed you will receive a letter which may ask you to provide us with further information. You can email this direct to our Housing Allocations Inbox.

Your application will remain closed until you have provided this information to us – please do not reapply whilst you wait.

Eligibility

If you do not have a housing need or are not eligible to join the housing register you can appeal but this will need to be within 21 days of the letter.

If you are eligible for housing with us, a letter will be sent to you to confirm your pin number and your allocated band.

Bidding

When your application has been accepted you can start bidding.

You are allowed two bids per week.

You do not have to bid every week – if there isn’t a property that interests you, do not bid.

Bidding on properties you do not want to live in could result in you being suspended from the register for three months.

Property refusals

If you refuse two properties this could mean we suspend you from the register unless you have a very good reason for refusing.

Available properties

You will only see properties you are eligible for.

For example, if you need one bedroom you will only see one bedroom property adverts.

If there is nothing to bid on, this means we have no properties available.

 

Bidding cycle

The bidding cycles runs from Wednesday at 12am to Tuesday at 11.59pm.

Shortlisting

Once the bidding cycle finishes we begin shortlisting.

If you are successful we will contact you within 10 days.

Change of circumstances

Please make sure your contact details on your application are kept up to date.

If you have any change of circumstances you will need to update your application.

 

Council tenants who want to move

Council tenants who want to move but who do not have a housing need will have the opportunity to transfer under certain circumstances.

A separate ‘T’ band applies for existing Council tenants not in housing need but who wish to transfer.

Council tenants who can demonstrate a good tenancy record will be allocated to Band T.

The number of allocations to households in Band T is reviewed annually. For 2023/2024 this has been set for 1% for the total lettings of properties that become available.

Supported Living 

We have our own supported living scheme called Saxon Court which offers successful applicants the reassurance that our friendly, professionally-trained care team will be able to provide care and support your individual needs.

Find out more about Saxon Court and how to apply.

There are a number of additional schemes in Solihull not run by us that provide housing for those that needs support but want to live independently.

Each scheme does has its own criteria and they are run by different companies and usually have properties you can buy as well as rent.

For more information, please visit Solihull Home Options and the SMBC website.

Allocations Policy

For further information please read the Solihull Council’s Allocations Policy (pdf 664 kB).