Frequently asked questions about the allocations process
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and our responses to the Registration and Allocation process. If your enquire is not covered below, please contact Housing Registration or Allocations on 0800 590 542.
Q: How do you decide what Band I will be placed in?
A: There are six bands from Band A to F and applicants are placed within one of those bands dependent on their circumstances;
- Band A -Applicants with Severe / Urgent housing needs
- Band B - Applicants with High housing needs
- Band C - Applicants with Some housing needs
- Band D - Applicants with Low housing needs
- Band E - Applicants with five years local connection
- Band F - All other applicants
For further information please refer to the Choice Based Lettings Policy on the Bassetlaw District Council website which provides further information regarding each band and the circumstances of applicants within each band.
Q: My circumstances have changed, how do I update them?
A: If your circumstances have changed you can update your housing application by completing a change of circumstances form from either of our offices; by calling 0800 590 542, or by emailing housing.registration@bassetlaw.gov.uk.
Q: If I place a bid at midnight when the cycle first opens and it shows that I am in 1st position, will I be offered the property?
A: No, the bidding cycle is open from Thursday until midnight on Tuesday, applicants can bid at any time during this time. Whether you bid a few minutes after midnight on Thursday or a few minutes to midnight on a Tuesday your finishing position will be the same.
Q: I have been on the housing list for years; do I move up the list each year?
A: Applicants are looked at in band order from A – E and for second advert properties from A – F, and then applicants waiting time within that band. Anyone in a higher band or the same band with longer waiting time will be placed above you and anyone in a lower band or with less waiting time will be placed below you.
Q: What do you class as an offer on a property?
A: If you have placed a bid on a property and are contacted regarding that property, it will be classed as an offer unless the property is deemed unsuitable by Bassetlaw District Council.
Q: Can I refuse a property that I am offered?
A: Applicants in Band A are only given one offer of accommodation, if refused their band would be removed.
Applicants in Band B have their banding reviewed every two months and if they have refused a suitable offer the priority band will be removed.
Applicants in bands C, D & E who have refused 3 offers of suitable accommodation, having ‘bid’ for the property and refused the property without having a good reason will have their application suspended for 6 months. During this time applicants will not be allowed to place any ‘bids’ for advertised properties.
Q: Will I be taken off the list if I don’t bid every week?
A: No, as we use a choice based letting system, it’s down to applicants to bid on properties that they are interested in. If you would not accept the property if offered do not bid. If you are in a priority Band either A or B, your priority Banding could be removed after 8 weeks if you haven’t bid on all suitable properties within the locality you currently live within.
Q: I am in a priority band and have been advised to bid for as wide a range of properties as possible, does this still apply?
A: Although we advise applicants to bid on as many properties as possible to increase your chances of being allocated, we would only expect you to bid on properties within the area you currently live unless you wish to relocate. For example, if you live in Worksop, you would be expected to bid for all properties within Worksop including surrounding villages but would not expect you to bid for Retford, Tuxford etc.
Q: I have a joint housing application, but my relationship has broken down, can I take the other person off?
A: No, if you have a joint application this will be closed, and you will need to re-apply.
Q: Why have I been placed in Band F when I used to live in Bassetlaw, and this is where my family live.
A: You will be placed in Band F if you haven’t lived in Bassetlaw for the last 5 years continuously or if you do not have a close relative meaning spouse, parent, child or sibling that has lived in Bassetlaw for the last 5 years continuously. this does not apply to applicants currently serving in His Majesty’s Forces and wish to live in the Bassetlaw District Council area.
Q: I own my property can I still apply for a council property?
Yes, if you own or have financial interest in a property you will be placed in Band E. If you are offered a property you will need to provide proof of an intention to sell the property before you are allocated.
Q: What if I am an owner but have been granted a Band B medical priority?
A: You would need to provide proof of your sale and completion date before you are allocated a property. We cannot guarantee that you will finish in 1st position for a property that meets your medical needs if you do decide to sell your property.
Q: I have submitted an occupational therapy report, can I still accept the property if it is against the recommendations in the report?
A: No if you have submitted an occupation therapy report, any offer will be subject to the property meeting the needs listed within the report. For example, if the report advises you cannot manage steps, and the property has a step/ stair you will not be offered this property unless a ramp can reasonably be fitted.
Q: I have viewed a property, when do I have to decide if I want it?
A: Applicants are expected to confirm whether they wish to accept or not at the viewing appointment.
Q: Are there any other options for re-housing other than applying to go on the Housing Register?
A: Yes, you can also apply to other local authorities and housing associations, some housing associations have their own housing registers as well as advertising properties through Bassetlaw District Council’s choice-based lettings system. You could also look at the private sector, check with local estate agents and on Rightmove. If you are already a tenant of a council or housing association property you can register with Home Swapper to look to do a mutual exchange, this connects you with other tenants that are looking to swap homes.
Q: My Landlord has given me notice to leave what should I do?
A: Firstly, if you do not already have a housing application, please visit the Bassetlaw District Council website to complete an application, it will advise what documents you will need to provide at the start and the end of the application. If you have been served with a legal notice, please provide a copy of this to the Registrations Team. Then contact our Housing Needs Team on 01909 533533. You can also attend either Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, S80 2AH or 17B The Square, Retford, Notts, DN22 6DB where you can access a telephone to speak with an officer. Housing Needs can provide advice and assistance to applicants that are at risk of becoming homeless or are currently homeless, it is important that you contact them as soon as possible.
Last Updated on Friday, June 27, 2025