Lettings & Allocations

How Are Properties Allocated?

When a Unity property becomes available, it is normally advertised through the relevant local authority choice-based lettings scheme.

Applicants can then express an interest, commonly known as “bidding”, for available properties.

The local authority will shortlist applicants in accordance with their Allocation Policy and priority banding system.

Unity will then complete the final letting checks before the tenancy is offered.

We Do Not Have an Internal Waiting List

• You cannot apply directly to Unity for housing.
• We do not maintain a separate waiting list.
• All applications must be made through Leeds City Council or Kirklees Council.
• All bids must be placed through the relevant local authority bidding scheme.

This ensures homes are allocated fairly and transparently.

How Does Bidding Work?

Once registered with the local authority:

1. You will receive information about your housing application.
2. Available properties are advertised online.
3. You can place bids on properties you are interested in.
4. Applicants are ranked according to the council’s allocation scheme.
5. Successful applicants may then be contacted regarding the property.

Bidding does not guarantee that a property will be offered.

What Does Unity Do?

Although applications are managed by the local authority, Unity remains responsible for:

• Conducting pre-tenancy checks.
• Completing affordability assessments.
• Verifying household details.
• Arranging property viewings.
• Signing up new tenants.
• Providing tenancy support where required.

Housing Priority and Banding

• Housing priority is determined by the local authority, not Unity Homes & Enterprise. We are unable to:
• ❌ Award housing bands
• ❌ Change an applicant’s banding
• ❌ Increase an applicant’s priority
• ❌ Influence decisions regarding housing need assessments
• If you believe your banding is incorrect, you must contact the relevant local authority directly.
• Unity has no control over housing registration decisions or banding assessments.

Affordability Assessments

Before a tenancy is offered, we may complete an affordability assessment.

This helps us ensure:

• The tenancy is sustainable.
• Rent payments are affordable.
• Additional support can be identified where required.
• Customers understand the financial responsibilities of the tenancy.

Lettable Standard

Before a property is let, we will ensure it meets our Lettable Standard.

This means the property will be safe, secure and ready for occupation.

Information about our Lettable Standard can be found here(Policy link)

Direct Lets and Nominations

Whilst most properties are allocated through the local authority bidding process, there may be exceptional circumstances where a property is allocated through a direct let.

Examples may include:

• Adult Social Care referrals
• Adapted properties
• Urgent safeguarding cases
• Multi-agency housing solutions
• Exceptional welfare circumstances

These decisions are usually made in partnership with local authorities and support agencies and must meet specific criteria.

Adapted Properties

Some of our homes have specialist adaptations including:

• Wet rooms
• Level access showers
• Stairlifts
• Wheelchair access
• Ground floor living arrangements
• Adapted kitchens

Where possible, adapted properties are allocated to applicants who require the adaptations and whose assessed needs match the property.

This helps ensure that specialist housing remains available for those who need it most.

Referrals for adapted properties may sometimes be received directly from Adult Social Care, Occupational Therapists or local authority housing teams.

Vulnerable Applicants and Additional Support

We recognise that some applicants may require additional support during the lettings process.

Please let us know if you require:

• Large print information
• Translation services
• Assistance completing forms
• Additional support because of a disability or health condition
• Support attending appointments

We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible

Refusing an Offer

The impact of refusing a property offer will depend on the rules of the local authority housing scheme through which you applied.

If you are unsure, please contact your local authority housing team for advice.