Choice-based lettings
How to bid for a property
Register your interest in it before the advertised closing date.
You can do this online using the enquiry form or by emailing (see advert). You can also contact the landlord of the property or call into their office.
You can bid for any advertised properties that you are eligible for (i.e. how many rooms your household needs).
What happens after the closing date
When the advertising period is over, we shortlist the bidders. We then offer it to the bidder who has the greatest housing need. If bidders have the same need, it goes to the one who applied first.
When you find out if you have been successful
If you’re successful we send you an offer within 7 days of the closing date. If you are unsuccessful you will not hear from us. You will see your deadline in your offer letter. It is generally 2 days.
To accept the offer, call or email us:
- Highland Council – 01349 886602 or choicebasedlettings@highland.gov.uk
- Albyn Housing Association - 0300 323 0990
- Cairn Housing Association- 0800 990 3405 (free from landlines) or 0300 456 1245 (local rate from Mobiles) or choicebasedlettings@cairnha.com)
- Pentland Housing Association – 01847 892507 or cbl@pentlandhousing.co.uk)
If you get more than 1 offer
You choose which offer you prefer and accept it.
If you refuse a property you have been offered
If you refuse an offer twice your application may be suspended for 6 months. If you have homeless points you may lose them.
What happens to my Highland Housing Register application if I don’t bid for a property?
All properties in Caithness (except sheltered housing) are allocated by choice-based lettings. If you do not bid you will not be offered general needs housing in Caithness.
If you have applied for sheltered housing, you may be offered a property. You do not need to bid.
How often properties are advertised
New houses are added daily. We suggest you check each landlord each week. Many are only advertised for a week. Remember, you can get free internet access at any library.