How do I bid?
Bidding online
You can bid by logging in to the Search Moves site, which is usually quickest and easiest.
Once logged in, you can search available homes. If there are any properties which you think may meet your needs, read the advert thoroughly and make note of the advert closing date. Check out the location map and local amenities, if you are able to you can even visit the area to see what it ‘feels’ like before bidding. This is an important choice as a lot of landlord time is wasted by applicants bidding on properties and then deciding the area is unsuitable for them. Applicants who refuse offers without good reason, or who do not attend viewings, may have their application suspended or demoted.
Automatic bidding
You can register for auto-bidding. This means you supply the social and supported housing team with your requirements and they apply these to your application so that bids are placed automatically on exactly matching properties by the computer system. This is usually available to applicants who are unable to bid on-line and do not have anyone to help them. If you decide you want auto bidding you must ensure that you set the criteria carefully as if you fail to view or refuse 2 properties that met your requirement as provided by you, your case will be demoted to Band D or if you are in Band D already your application will normally be suspended for one year.
Please note auto bidding is often set up for statutorily homeless households by the Homelessness Prevention and Advice Team based upon their assessment of what they consider to be suitable for an applicants’ needs to discharge the Council’s homeless duties.
Staff assistance
You can telephone, or email the social and supported housing team to discuss auto bidding and if necessary, they will make an appointment with you.
Email socialhousing@elmbridge.gov.uk