In March 1999 all 'council housing' stock was transferred
to South Somerset Homes, now Yarlington Housing Group and
other housing associations in the area. Therefore, there is no
'council housing' in the area.
Homefinder Somerset
Choice Based Lettings - Homefinder Somerset
South Somerset District Council is part of a scheme called
Homefinder Somerset.
What is Homefinder Somerset?
Homefinder Somerset is a way of finding a home to rent which
lets you select the home you would like to be considered for.
Almost anyone can apply to join the scheme including existing
tenants who would like to transfer.
It is a partnership of local authorities and housing
associations who are working together to make the process of
finding a home simple and transparent for all applicants across
Somerset.
Partners are:
- West Somerset Council
- Mendip District Council
- Sedgemoor District Council
- South Somerset District Council
- Taunton Deane Borough Council
- Housing Associations in the Homefinder Somerset area
How the scheme works
Anyone looking for social housing anywhere in Somerset now only
has to complete one application form and their needs will be
assessed against the same clear set criteria no matter where they
live.
Applicants choose which social housing vacancies they wish to be
considered for by placing a 'bid' - expression of interest NOT
a money bid - on properties which they are eligible for by size.
Applicants can express an interest on a maximum of three
properties per week.
How to apply
Complete an application online at
www.homefindersomerset.co.uk
If you are already registered and do not have your login
details, please contact the Registration team on 01935 462938 or
email - HousingRegister@Southsomerset.gov.uk
including your full name, date of birth and address.
Once you apply, your application will be assessed and placed
into one of four bands:
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
- Emergency - in a very small number of cases
What to do if your circumstances change
If you move or your circumstances change you will need to
contact the housing team for advice. It is very important to keep
us informed of any changes which affect your application. Failure
to do so could lead to you not being made an offer even if your bid
is successful.
Where to find details of vacancies
- Via the website www.homefindersomerset.co.uk at
home or using computers available in the library or your local
council offices.
- Looking at a weekly property Newsletter at your local housing
office or council office if in Somerset.
- By ringing the Property Hotline to hear details of vacancies -
Tel. 0845 2415948.
How to express an interest for homes
- Via the website www.homefindersomerset.co.uk at home or using
computers available in the library or your local council
offices.
- Via the automated telephone bidding line - Tel. 0845
2702524.
- In person at your local housing office or council.
- With the help of a support worker.
The advertising cycle for properties on Homefinder Somerset
starts on a Wednesday and ends on a Sunday. Please note that you
CANNOT search or bid for properties on a Monday or Tuesday.
If you have a question about your application you should contact
the Housing Options Team on (01935) 462938.
If you are UK National Returning or arriving for the first time,
we will require additional information from you to ensure that you
are eligible to go onto the Housing Register.