How it works

How do I join?

You will need to apply by clicking on ‘Register’ and then completing the on-line form.

Once you have submitted your full application it will be assessed and awarded a priority band if your application is accepted. You will be sent an email advising the outcome of the assessment and what to do next. Further information about using the scheme can be found in the other help guides. Information about what the banding means for can be found in the scheme guides.

Before you bid

Before you place a bid you should ensure that the property matches your needs and you would be happy to live there. You can check out the area online, using the Street View and Local Information tabs on the advert, or visit the area in person if you would like to get a ‘feel’ for it. You can also try out public transport routes, or local facilities such as shops, pubs or day centres. However you must not try to access the property as there may still be someone living there.

Also pay close attention to any age restrictions, and restrictions regarding pets if this affects you.

Understanding the Adverts

Some properties have a minimum age requirement. Age restrictions are shown by a picture icon on the advert. Do not waste your bid if you are younger than the age shown within the icon as you will not be considered for the property. If you are interested in Sheltered or Independent Living housing for older people, please see Housing Options for older people.
This is intended to provide a guide to people who have various levels of mobility needs. There are 3 categories indicating level of need. This does not restrict anyone else from bidding for these properties but the advert will often say that priority will be given to members with mobility needs. This means that when shortlisting, normally only applicants with these needs will be considered.
Some properties will be advertised with a 'W' icon specifically for applicants who are workers. The definition of work is a permanent job within the Spelthorne Borough of at least 16 hours a week for a single person or 24 hours for a couple, with an existing contract of 12 months or more. Self-employed applicants who have their business registered in Spelthorne Borough for 12 months or more and Key Workers, as detailed in the Council’s Key Worker Policy, will also be considered as workers. Properties advertised with a 'W' will be prioritised by band and priority date.
If you have a pet you will need to check for the ‘pet’ icon on an advert to know if pets are allowed. If you are offered a viewing you should still confirm with the landlord if they are happy to accept the number / type of pets you have.
These may be communal (shared use) or private (sole use). If they are shared use there is likely to be a service charge for the maintenance of these. Sole use gardens will be your responsibility to properly maintain.
The icons show the minimum and maximum number of people suitable for each property. If your household falls outside of this range you may not be able to place a bid.

Accompanying photographs may only show typical properties in the advertised block or street. Please do not contact any occupants or contractors working in these buildings.

Guide to Advert Symbols

Bidding

You can bid by logging in to the Homes4Spelthorne site, which is usually quickest and easiest.

Once logged in, you can search available homes. If there are any properties which you are eligible for and meet your needs, read the advert thoroughly and make note of the advert closing date. Check out the location map and local amenities, if you are able to you can even visit the area to see what it ‘feels’ like before bidding. This is an important choice as a lot of landlord time is wasted by applicants bidding on properties and then deciding the area is unsuitable for them. Applicants who refuse offers without good reason, or who do not attend viewings, may have their application suspended or demoted.

You can register for auto-bidding. This means you supply Homes4Spelthorne with your requirements and they apply these to your application so that bids are placed automatically on exactly matching properties by the computer system. This is usually available to applicants who are unable to bid on-line and do not have anyone to help them. Please note: Customers who are in temporary accommodation with Spelthorne Council will normally be placed on Automatic bidding.
You can telephone, or make an appointment to visit the office of the Partner organisation and they can bid on your behalf if necessary.

Your personal results will be available from your dashboard when you are logged in to Homes4Spelthorne. You can track your current bids and any previous bids.

If you want to see general feedback on all other properties, please click on ‘Feedback’ in the grey bar at the bottom of the home page and the results of all advertised properties which have been let will be displayed when you select the date range from the filter options.

You will be able to see the number of bids which were placed on each property, which gives you an idea of local demand, and also the Band and priority date of the successful applicant. No personal details relating to applicants are shown.

Information on Housing for Older People