Please be aware that all Home-Options partners are being affected by the Coronavirus and this is having a major impact on their ability to manage housing applications and lettings. Please see our Coronavirus/Covid-19 page for more details.

Click the blue 'Register' button at the top right of the screen, That will take you to our online pre-assessment and housing application form. If you are eligible to apply, don't forget to send us any supporting information we ask for so that your application can be properly assessed.

The houses we advertise are mainly from councils and housing associations so, by law, we have to check that you are eligible to apply for housing. We also have to make sure we allocate tenancies fairly. By registering, we have the information we need to make sure that those who have the greatest need are given priority for housing.

If you haven't already sent your supporting information (proof of address, identity, etc.) then please send it as soon as possible. Your application will not be processed until it is received. If you have already sent your supporting information and you have not heard anything with 10 working days, then contact your local Home-Options team.

Please include details of your medical condition in your application. If we need any further information, we will get in touch with you GP or specialist directly.

The online application form can only give you an indication of your likely priority band. Your application will be verified by a member of staff who will check your application against the Home-Options allocation policy. There may be circumstances that we have taken into account which could result in your priority being decreased. If you have completed a change of circumstances form and your priority band has decreased, this is because your priority is being assessed at your new address where your situation is different.

Read the allocation policy first (see the link opposite) and see what we take into account when we assess your priority. If you still think your priority band is incorrect, then contact your local Home-Options team to discuss your application further.

If you login to your account, you'll see a 'Have your circumstances changed?' button. If you click that, you'll be able to update your application. Don't forget that you'll need to send proof of address if you've moved house, or proof of identity for any new members of your household.

You need to sign in first (you will need your Home-Options reference number). Once you have logged in, you should click 'View Homes' to see what properties you are eligible for. Click on the advert of any properties you want to bid on, check the details on the advert and make sure it's a property you're interested in, and click the 'Place Bid' button.

Where we have low-demand properties which have traditionally been let to people over 60, we will sometimes let them to people under 60. To minimise the impact on the existing tenants, we will first offer new properties to people who are closer to the exisitng tenants in age, so we give preference as follows: • first preference - 55 and 59 • second preference - 50 and 54 • third preference - 45 and 49 • fourth preference - 40 and 45 • fifth preference - 25 and 39 • sixth preference - Under 25.

Once the bidding closes, staff will start to process the shortlist. If you're at the top of the list, then they will contact you to discuss an offer. This will normally happen within a few days of the shortlist closing.

That depends upon the type of property you need and where you would like to live. See the feedback section opposite for more information. Two bedroom bungalows, four bedroom houses and properties that are adapted for people with a disability, tend to be in short supply.

Depending upon your circumstances, you may be able to get help with your rent. You may qualify for housing benefit or in exceptional circumstances, a discretionary housing payment. You can find more information about benefits and help with your rent on our Financial Help page.