Watford Borough Council

How many council houses do you have?

Watford Borough Council no longer owns any council properties. These are now owned and managed by the Watford Community Housing Trust (WCHT).

The council operates the housing register. This is used to allocate accommodation with various housing associations (including WCHT) as and when it becomes available.

There are currently over 4500 household waiting for social housing.

In an average month we get just 37 properties to let.

• 3 bedsits
• 8 one bedroom flats
• 9 two bedroom flats
• 2 two bedroom houses
• 5 three bedroom houses
• 10 sheltered housing bedsits/flats

Because of the high demand for social housing in Watford, the majority of people who apply for social housing will never be housed. You are strongly advised to consider alternative types of accommodation.

I am on the housing register and my circumstances have changed; should I inform you?

Yes, you need to complete a Change of Circumstances form so we can reassess your housing needs. You will need to provide documents to confirm your new circumstances. You can request a form by telephoning 01923 226400 or download one here.

What is a band?

Housing need is assessed using bands. There are 5 bands, A to E, with band A being the highest housing need. Each band includes descriptions of circumstances. Applicants are placed in the band that reflects their housing situation. For example, band D includes families who are overcrowded and need an extra room. Band C includes families who are overcrowded and need two or more extra rooms.

Within each band applicants are prioritised by the length of time they have been in that band (priority date).

Applicants with a local connection to the council may be in one of the five bands, A to E. Applicants with no local connection cannot go higher than band D, therefore can only be in band E or D.

I have a medical condition. Will this put me in a higher band?

Medical priority is only given if the accommodation you are living in is having such a significant effect on your condition that rehousing would improve your health.

If you think this may be the case, you can complete a Self Assessment Medical Form. To request a form telephone (01923) 226400.

Completing a form does not guarantee you will be given priority. Your form will be assessed and we may seek further medical opinion. You will be written to once a decision has been made.

What is Choice Based Lettings?

Choice Based Lettings (CBL) is how we let social housing. Properties are advertised and housing applicants register an interest (bid) on properties that match their needs. Adverts include key features about the property, the rent, the local area and a photograph.

How do I bid for a property?

You can bid by internet, telephone and text message. For more information see the guide to bidding on the Herts Choice Homes website. From 7 October 7 2011 bidding will be on a weekly cycle.