Homefinder Review

Coventry Homefinder

There is an increasing demand for housing in Coventry. There are approximately 14,000 households registered on Coventry Homefinder.

This means have reviewed the current Homefinder Policy and the system for allocating social housing. We have consulted on proposals for change.

The outcome of the consultation was reported to the Council’s Cabinet on 18 February 2020. It was at this meeting the Cabinet approved a revised policy. The Cabinet Report (item 5 on agenda) – explains the recommendations and next steps in more detail. You can also look at our updated Frequently Asked Questions for more information on next steps following the Cabinet Decision to review the revised policy.

There is no need to take any action now. Applications to the register and priority banding applications are still being accepted. Current Homefinder applicants can continue to bid for housing.

In Autumn 2020 the Homefinder team will contact all current applicants to explain what they will need to do next. This page will be updated as the review progresses.

Coventry Homefinder

There is an increasing demand for housing in Coventry. There are approximately 14,000 households registered on Coventry Homefinder.

This means have reviewed the current Homefinder Policy and the system for allocating social housing. We have consulted on proposals for change.

There is no need to take any action now. Applications to the register and priority banding applications are still being accepted. Current Homefinder applicants can continue to bid for housing.

In Autumn 2020 the Homefinder team will contact all current applicants to explain what they will need to do next. This page will be updated as the review progresses.

The Q+A has now concluded - please visit our consultation survey from the 11th November to tell us your views on our proposals for change.

Share Hi I need to bid on houses as were overcrowded I got told by my houseing officer to make a new account up because I havent been on the one I had for ages but I cant make a new one as it says I already have account can you please help me with get back on my account or make a new one thank you on Facebook Share Hi I need to bid on houses as were overcrowded I got told by my houseing officer to make a new account up because I havent been on the one I had for ages but I cant make a new one as it says I already have account can you please help me with get back on my account or make a new one thank you on Twitter Share Hi I need to bid on houses as were overcrowded I got told by my houseing officer to make a new account up because I havent been on the one I had for ages but I cant make a new one as it says I already have account can you please help me with get back on my account or make a new one thank you on Linkedin Email Hi I need to bid on houses as were overcrowded I got told by my houseing officer to make a new account up because I havent been on the one I had for ages but I cant make a new one as it says I already have account can you please help me with get back on my account or make a new one thank you link

Hi I need to bid on houses as were overcrowded I got told by my houseing officer to make a new account up because I havent been on the one I had for ages but I cant make a new one as it says I already have account can you please help me with get back on my account or make a new one thank you

Melbilly1 asked over 4 years ago

Hi, thank you for your question. Please contact the Coventry Homefinder Team on 024 7683 4024 and ask for assistance to get logged back into your account. Or you can email them coventryhomefinder@coventry.gov.uk
Once you can access your account you can update your details. Please note if you want to apply for a priority banding for overcrowding due to your current situation please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homefinder and click on the apply for a priority banding link and complete the application form.
Share i have been bidding for a property for 3 years now and i have not had any luck or not been moved in band even though i have children . why is that? on Facebook Share i have been bidding for a property for 3 years now and i have not had any luck or not been moved in band even though i have children . why is that? on Twitter Share i have been bidding for a property for 3 years now and i have not had any luck or not been moved in band even though i have children . why is that? on Linkedin Email i have been bidding for a property for 3 years now and i have not had any luck or not been moved in band even though i have children . why is that? link

i have been bidding for a property for 3 years now and i have not had any luck or not been moved in band even though i have children . why is that?

muguette asked over 4 years ago

Hi, thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, being registered on Coventry Homefinder doesn't guarantee that you will be offered housing, There is currently about 14,000 households registered for housing and between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019 only 1446 properties (of all sizes from bedsits to larger properties) were let.
Please note - being a household with children doesn't in itself wouldn't give you a priority banding.There are many reasons why a priority banding can be given for example, a medical need, being overcrowded or under - occupying a property. You can find out more by downloading the policy here.
You can apply for priority banding at https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homefinder
Thanks again for your question.

The current & future policy for housing allocation means people who are working, in education or training will not be eligible for social housing. This policy of housing only those "in need" is why you have rough estates & "council areas" of Willenhall & Wood End being "no go" areas for the decent & the negative stigma of council housing increases. Having a mixture of households where some work (like they did in the 70s & 80s) will help those who don't see another way of life from crime & antisocial behaviour. Mixed tenancies is the way forward

Linda asked over 4 years ago

Hi thank you for your feedback. In Coventry when new housing is developed we ask for a mixture of tenures of affordable housing (Affordable Rent, Social Rent and Shared Ownership) to develop mixed and sustainable communities. Please see the figures below.

New affordable housing developed in Coventry
Year	Affordable Rent	Social Rent	Shared Ownership	Total
2014/15	278	22	48	348
2015/16	45	68	1	114
2016/17	159	72	123	254
2017/18	131	40	33	204
2018/19	246	27	36	309
Total	859	229	241	1229

Share Speaking on behalf of someone with late stages of COPD and lives in a flat on fourth floor and no lift He finds having to bid very difficult as he has no internet and feels he is a prisoner in his own flat due to breathing problems. He also finds it difficult to talk without being breathless. I feel that the bidding system should be looked at for people with health conditions. He also has a letter from his GP that is going to be handed in by someone else as he has had the letter a while. He has had 4 hospital admissions in the last month one which was for a cardiac arrest This bidding system can be quite stressful for such people on Facebook Share Speaking on behalf of someone with late stages of COPD and lives in a flat on fourth floor and no lift He finds having to bid very difficult as he has no internet and feels he is a prisoner in his own flat due to breathing problems. He also finds it difficult to talk without being breathless. I feel that the bidding system should be looked at for people with health conditions. He also has a letter from his GP that is going to be handed in by someone else as he has had the letter a while. He has had 4 hospital admissions in the last month one which was for a cardiac arrest This bidding system can be quite stressful for such people on Twitter Share Speaking on behalf of someone with late stages of COPD and lives in a flat on fourth floor and no lift He finds having to bid very difficult as he has no internet and feels he is a prisoner in his own flat due to breathing problems. He also finds it difficult to talk without being breathless. I feel that the bidding system should be looked at for people with health conditions. He also has a letter from his GP that is going to be handed in by someone else as he has had the letter a while. He has had 4 hospital admissions in the last month one which was for a cardiac arrest This bidding system can be quite stressful for such people on Linkedin Email Speaking on behalf of someone with late stages of COPD and lives in a flat on fourth floor and no lift He finds having to bid very difficult as he has no internet and feels he is a prisoner in his own flat due to breathing problems. He also finds it difficult to talk without being breathless. I feel that the bidding system should be looked at for people with health conditions. He also has a letter from his GP that is going to be handed in by someone else as he has had the letter a while. He has had 4 hospital admissions in the last month one which was for a cardiac arrest This bidding system can be quite stressful for such people link

Speaking on behalf of someone with late stages of COPD and lives in a flat on fourth floor and no lift He finds having to bid very difficult as he has no internet and feels he is a prisoner in his own flat due to breathing problems. He also finds it difficult to talk without being breathless. I feel that the bidding system should be looked at for people with health conditions. He also has a letter from his GP that is going to be handed in by someone else as he has had the letter a while. He has had 4 hospital admissions in the last month one which was for a cardiac arrest This bidding system can be quite stressful for such people

Valena asked over 4 years ago

Hi, thank you for your feedback. As part of the review we are looking at both the banding system, how people bid and how adapted properties are advertised and let. The current policy has 3 levels of medical priority. if you haven't already done so you can apply for a priority band via this link https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homefinder
Share Hello, I have been on the list for over a year. I have 2 kids boy & girl, I am in a small 2bed. Running out of space, I have been bidding but not one property has been offered to me. Please help, thank you. on Facebook Share Hello, I have been on the list for over a year. I have 2 kids boy & girl, I am in a small 2bed. Running out of space, I have been bidding but not one property has been offered to me. Please help, thank you. on Twitter Share Hello, I have been on the list for over a year. I have 2 kids boy & girl, I am in a small 2bed. Running out of space, I have been bidding but not one property has been offered to me. Please help, thank you. on Linkedin Email Hello, I have been on the list for over a year. I have 2 kids boy & girl, I am in a small 2bed. Running out of space, I have been bidding but not one property has been offered to me. Please help, thank you. link

Hello, I have been on the list for over a year. I have 2 kids boy & girl, I am in a small 2bed. Running out of space, I have been bidding but not one property has been offered to me. Please help, thank you.

Az asked over 4 years ago

Hi, thank you for your question. Unfortunately being on the housing register does not guarantee an offer of housing. Please continue to visit the homefinder website every week and bid on available properties that meet your needs. If one of your children is over the age of 10 you could be eligible for overcrowding priority. This website page https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homefinder has a link to the priority need application form.
Share Hi, I was expecting a bit more communication from Cov HF. I dont know much how it works. I am register over a year and dont know some details. If I reject a property (which is offered to me), how long will I be wating for another one...no one did expalined to me these rules. Thanks on Facebook Share Hi, I was expecting a bit more communication from Cov HF. I dont know much how it works. I am register over a year and dont know some details. If I reject a property (which is offered to me), how long will I be wating for another one...no one did expalined to me these rules. Thanks on Twitter Share Hi, I was expecting a bit more communication from Cov HF. I dont know much how it works. I am register over a year and dont know some details. If I reject a property (which is offered to me), how long will I be wating for another one...no one did expalined to me these rules. Thanks on Linkedin Email Hi, I was expecting a bit more communication from Cov HF. I dont know much how it works. I am register over a year and dont know some details. If I reject a property (which is offered to me), how long will I be wating for another one...no one did expalined to me these rules. Thanks link

Hi, I was expecting a bit more communication from Cov HF. I dont know much how it works. I am register over a year and dont know some details. If I reject a property (which is offered to me), how long will I be wating for another one...no one did expalined to me these rules. Thanks

Iveta Ali asked over 4 years ago

Hi, thank you for your question.
Coventry Homefinder is register for housing and not a housing waiting list. This means people who are registered need to look at the properties that are advertised each week and place a bid for properties they are interested in. Properties are allocated by priority banding and length of time registered.
If you reject a property offered to you the length of time you wait will depend on which properties you bid for and who else bids on the same property.
Being registered does not mean you will be housed as there is a shortage of social housing. There are approximately 14,000 households registered on Coventry Homefinder and between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019 there were only 1400 properties advertised across all accommodation types.
Here is a link to the policy which explains how Coventry Homefinder works http://www.coventry.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/27066/coventry_homefinder_-_updated_policy_april_2018.pdf
You can also call the Homefinder team 024 7683 4024 for more information
Share Why does it take so long to hear about a priority housing application? My daughter is still waiting to hear from an application made in July. Her circumstances are urgent due to her child having extra needs on Facebook Share Why does it take so long to hear about a priority housing application? My daughter is still waiting to hear from an application made in July. Her circumstances are urgent due to her child having extra needs on Twitter Share Why does it take so long to hear about a priority housing application? My daughter is still waiting to hear from an application made in July. Her circumstances are urgent due to her child having extra needs on Linkedin Email Why does it take so long to hear about a priority housing application? My daughter is still waiting to hear from an application made in July. Her circumstances are urgent due to her child having extra needs link

Why does it take so long to hear about a priority housing application? My daughter is still waiting to hear from an application made in July. Her circumstances are urgent due to her child having extra needs

Franbrown asked over 4 years ago

Hi, thank you for your question.
Unfortunately there is a backlog of priority banding assessments awaiting assessment. Once all required documentation has been received it can take up to 12 weeks.
Your daughter can contact the Homefinder Team on 024 7683 4024 or email coventryhomefinder@gov.uk to obtain an update and check that the team have all the documentation they need to make the assessment. - Thank you for your patience.
Share My family and I are in a private rented flat with no garden, my children have a big fear of certain insects as they only see them in the park ect. But we can't rent a house privately as it's too expensive and we are way down on the home finder list (which I've been on since 2008) to be able to get a suitable property. I do feel that something needs to give as I know other families in my position who are priced out privately but not in need urgently, we are stuck, I think landlords need to reduce some of the rental costs they're asking on Facebook Share My family and I are in a private rented flat with no garden, my children have a big fear of certain insects as they only see them in the park ect. But we can't rent a house privately as it's too expensive and we are way down on the home finder list (which I've been on since 2008) to be able to get a suitable property. I do feel that something needs to give as I know other families in my position who are priced out privately but not in need urgently, we are stuck, I think landlords need to reduce some of the rental costs they're asking on Twitter Share My family and I are in a private rented flat with no garden, my children have a big fear of certain insects as they only see them in the park ect. But we can't rent a house privately as it's too expensive and we are way down on the home finder list (which I've been on since 2008) to be able to get a suitable property. I do feel that something needs to give as I know other families in my position who are priced out privately but not in need urgently, we are stuck, I think landlords need to reduce some of the rental costs they're asking on Linkedin Email My family and I are in a private rented flat with no garden, my children have a big fear of certain insects as they only see them in the park ect. But we can't rent a house privately as it's too expensive and we are way down on the home finder list (which I've been on since 2008) to be able to get a suitable property. I do feel that something needs to give as I know other families in my position who are priced out privately but not in need urgently, we are stuck, I think landlords need to reduce some of the rental costs they're asking link

My family and I are in a private rented flat with no garden, my children have a big fear of certain insects as they only see them in the park ect. But we can't rent a house privately as it's too expensive and we are way down on the home finder list (which I've been on since 2008) to be able to get a suitable property. I do feel that something needs to give as I know other families in my position who are priced out privately but not in need urgently, we are stuck, I think landlords need to reduce some of the rental costs they're asking

Ali asked over 4 years ago

Hi, Thank you for your comments. The Council is working with Private Sector Landlords to encourage them offer more affordable properties.
Share I have been with COVENTRY homefinder for many many years but the service very complicated I work all my life and I need place I can call home because I’m single so band priority I’m always on position 100 and more with what im earning I can afford a 1 decent flat but they offers bedsit with rough people living in the tower blocks for me they should considering people who contribute to the community as tax payers to get more priority then peoples who are on benefits is really hurt to see I’m renting a room for all this years on Facebook Share I have been with COVENTRY homefinder for many many years but the service very complicated I work all my life and I need place I can call home because I’m single so band priority I’m always on position 100 and more with what im earning I can afford a 1 decent flat but they offers bedsit with rough people living in the tower blocks for me they should considering people who contribute to the community as tax payers to get more priority then peoples who are on benefits is really hurt to see I’m renting a room for all this years on Twitter Share I have been with COVENTRY homefinder for many many years but the service very complicated I work all my life and I need place I can call home because I’m single so band priority I’m always on position 100 and more with what im earning I can afford a 1 decent flat but they offers bedsit with rough people living in the tower blocks for me they should considering people who contribute to the community as tax payers to get more priority then peoples who are on benefits is really hurt to see I’m renting a room for all this years on Linkedin Email I have been with COVENTRY homefinder for many many years but the service very complicated I work all my life and I need place I can call home because I’m single so band priority I’m always on position 100 and more with what im earning I can afford a 1 decent flat but they offers bedsit with rough people living in the tower blocks for me they should considering people who contribute to the community as tax payers to get more priority then peoples who are on benefits is really hurt to see I’m renting a room for all this years link

I have been with COVENTRY homefinder for many many years but the service very complicated I work all my life and I need place I can call home because I’m single so band priority I’m always on position 100 and more with what im earning I can afford a 1 decent flat but they offers bedsit with rough people living in the tower blocks for me they should considering people who contribute to the community as tax payers to get more priority then peoples who are on benefits is really hurt to see I’m renting a room for all this years

Khula asked over 4 years ago
Hi, thanks for your comments.
- All properties are let to households in housing need irrespective of their income
- Giving additional priority to households who work can be considered as part of the consultation so would suggest could respond once formal consultation commences
- If you believe you should have additional priority due to housing need you can apply for priority on the website. The priority need form is located here
Share Why is the registration date not taken in to account any more for properties . , that would be a fairer way for people to get a chance for a property who have been on the list for years aswell as those in need on Facebook Share Why is the registration date not taken in to account any more for properties . , that would be a fairer way for people to get a chance for a property who have been on the list for years aswell as those in need on Twitter Share Why is the registration date not taken in to account any more for properties . , that would be a fairer way for people to get a chance for a property who have been on the list for years aswell as those in need on Linkedin Email Why is the registration date not taken in to account any more for properties . , that would be a fairer way for people to get a chance for a property who have been on the list for years aswell as those in need link

Why is the registration date not taken in to account any more for properties . , that would be a fairer way for people to get a chance for a property who have been on the list for years aswell as those in need

Jo123 asked over 4 years ago

Hi, under the current policy registration date is taken into account alongside the banding system.
For example, if bids are placed by people in the same band the registration date is used to other the shortlist that Housing Associations use to allocate the property.
For example, if a person (person 1) registered on 1st May 2017 bids on a property and another person (person 2) bids on the same property and they are in the same band as person 1 but with a registration date of 2nd May 2017 than person 1 would be above them in the shortlisting.
Thanks for your question.

Page last updated: 02 Mar 2020, 10:23 AM

Homefinder Review

Hi I need to bid on houses as were overcrowded I got told by my houseing officer to make a new account up because I havent been on the one I had for ages but I cant make a new one as it says I already have account can you please help me with get back on my account or make a new one thank you

i have been bidding for a property for 3 years now and i have not had any luck or not been moved in band even though i have children . why is that?

Hello, I have been on the list for over a year. I have 2 kids boy & girl, I am in a small 2bed. Running out of space, I have been bidding but not one property has been offered to me. Please help, thank you.

Hi, I was expecting a bit more communication from Cov HF. I dont know much how it works. I am register over a year and dont know some details. If I reject a property (which is offered to me), how long will I be wating for another one...no one did expalined to me these rules. Thanks

Why does it take so long to hear about a priority housing application? My daughter is still waiting to hear from an application made in July. Her circumstances are urgent due to her child having extra needs

Why is the registration date not taken in to account any more for properties . , that would be a fairer way for people to get a chance for a property who have been on the list for years aswell as those in need

Documents

What's planned

Engagement and questions

Consultation Survey Open

Under consideration

Final report

Implementation of changes - In Autumn 2020

Follow Project

Who's listening