Transfer Policy Information

The information in this document gives a brief overview only. For full details of the Choice Homes Scheme and how those who owe rent are dealt with, please see the council’s allocation and choice-based lettings policy document.

What happens if an offer is refused?

If you are a secure tenant and have applied for a property but later decide not to accept it, you can do so. Following a refusal, you still will be eligible to apply for other empty properties advertised in the future.

You should note that all cases in the ‘additional preference’ band will only keep their ‘additional preference’ priority for 12 calendar months or until they have successfully applied for and accepted a property, whichever comes first.

People who have not successfully bid for and accepted a property during this timescale will automatically lose their priority.

Following the loss of ‘additional preference’ priority, the application will be placed in either the ‘reasonable preference’ or ‘no preference’ bands, depending on the level of their housing need.

For more information about the Choice Homes Scheme, please call the council’s Housing Options Group on 020 8496 6513, 020 8496 6514, or 020 8496 6515.

Can I move to a housing association property?

Most housing associations have closed waiting lists due to the extremely high demand from their own tenants waiting for transfers to alternative accommodation. However, most housing associations must give the council a certain number of empty properties. These are normally advertised with the council’s own empty properties through the Choice Homes Scheme.