Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Choice Based Lettings?
Choice Based Lettings is a system of housing allocation that empowers customers to make decisions over where they live and exercise more choice over their future homes. This allows for improved participation and engagement from customers in that they can actively choose the property they want rather than it being chosen for them.
- How does banding work?
Loreburn Lettings operates on a banding system to allocate our properties.
This works on a priority basis in the first instance, and then by the qualifying / registration date of an application.
The four bands are, in ascending order, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Once you submit an application you will be informed of your band.
Please note that your band is based upon your current housing circumstances and the information that you provide upon registering / applying. The greater your housing need, the higher the banding will be.
- What is a bid?
A bid is an expression of interest in a property, there is no monetary value involved.
- What category am I in?
Along with a specific band, each applicant will also be placed in the most appropriate category according to the information they provide in their application.
We have 4 different categories:
Section 5 – this category is for applicants who have been assessed by the Dumfries and Galloway Council homeless department as unintentionally homeless.
Transfer – this category is for applicants who are currently housed by Loreburn Housing Association.
Waiting List – this category is for all other applicants, for example, living with family, privately renting, owner occupier etc.
Strategic Needs – this category is for applicants who have been assessed by the Common Housing Register board as needing emergency housing.
- Why do I have to bid?
Bidding is the only means of registering your interest in a particular property. If you do not bid, you will not be considered for any properties.
- When and where will the properties be advertised?
Available properties will be advertised on a Tuesday and Thursday at 12 noon on the "See All Properties" tab on the Loreburn Lettings website.
Properties advertised on a Tuesday will close on a Friday at 12 noon.
Properties advertised on a Thursday will close on a Monday at 12 noon.
- Unable to place a bid?
There may be a few reasons as to why you are unable to place a bid on a property.
Insufficient bedroom/bedspace need – property too small/large.
Age – some of our properties such as sheltered accommodation are for applicants aged 55 years or over.
Not eligible, restriction in place – any restriction on a property will be clearly stated in the property information.
If you have any queries as to why you cannot place a bid please call us on 01387 321300 or email [email protected]
- What happens after the bidding period closes?
When the bidding period closes all bids will be reviewed and shortlisted based on a priority needs basis. Should the shortlist consist of applicants with the same priority banding, priority will be given to the applicant who has been registered for the longest time.
- What happens if I do not bid?
If you do not bid, you will not be considered for any properties.
- How many times can I bid?
You can have 3 open bids at any one time. Bids can be made or retracted at any point before the closing date.
- How do I check my bidding history?
My Details > Current bids
- What happens after the viewing?
Following the viewing, a provisional offer of tenancy may be made if all information is found to be complete and accurate.
- Can I change my mind after an offer of a property?
If you refuse an offer of a property you will only be entitled to receive one further offer before being suspended from Loreburn Lettings for a period of 1 year.
- When will applicants know they have been successful for a property?
We aim to contact successful applicants as soon as possible after the closing date. Please ensure you register accurate contact details so that we can contact you.
- Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed, with permission, at the majority of our properties.
- I am currently registered with H4DG, do I need to register with Loreburn?
Yes. As of October 9th 2017 Loreburn Housing Association is no longer a part of the Common Housing Register in Dumfries & Galloway. If you have a current application you will still be registered for properties owned by DGHP, Irvine and Home Scotland. However, you will need to register in order to be considered for any Loreburn properties.
- My bid has been successful, what happens next?
Successful applicants will be issued with a provisional offer of tenancy following all relevant checks being completed. Once the property is available and ready to allocate, a sign up appointment will be arranged.
- When should I give notice on my current property?
We recommend that you check the required notice period of your current tenancy before you start bidding on properties. Loreburn Housing customers are required to provide a minimum of 28 days notice in writing. At the point we issue an offer letter, we would advise you to notify your current landlord.
Please note that all offers made are provisional and terminations can be retracted or extended at any time.
- When do I start paying rent?
The initial rental payment is due on the day of sign up.