Housing Options

Changes to HomeChoice Bristol

We’re making some changes to the digital systems we use for HomeChoice Bristol. We’re switching to a new system that will help us and our housing partners provide a better service. 

No bidding from Tuesday 21 October to Tuesday 4 November

While we switch to this new system, no properties will be advertised from Tuesday 21 October until Tuesday 4 November.

The last bids accepted will be on Sunday 19 October.

What will change from Monday 27 October

From Monday 27 October, HomeChoice Bristol will be available on a new system called MyHousing. 

It is important that your contact details are up to date. You must update your details on your account now.

These are the main changes on the new system: 

• To access your account, you will need to have a valid e-mail address. If you don’t have an e-mail address, you should set one up now. The five most commonly used e-mail providers are Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, Apple Mail and ProtonMail. 
• The printed HomeChoice newsletter will stop. If you receive the newsletter, an officer from Bristol City Council will telephone you directly to discuss how we can support you with this change. 
• You won’t be able to bid on properties over the phone. You will have to bid on properties via your online account from Tuesday 4 November. 

Support

Information will be available on the Bristol City Council website to help you use the new MyHousing system. This will include “how to” video guides. 

You can also:

• Speak to friends or family for help
• Contact your support worker if you have one
• Call the council on 0117 922 2400
• Visit the Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street, BS1 6AG. 

Have your say on new vehicle dweller policy for the city 

People in Bristol are being asked for their views on how the council should work with people living in vehicles across the city. 

A new policy is being developed which aims to balance offering help and advice to vehicle dwellers, alongside considering the needs of the local community. It will also look to refresh the way we respond to people living in vehicles, providing a clearer process and explanation for when action will be taken. 

The survey will be open until midnight on Thursday 23 October. To find out more and to give your views please visit www.bristol.gov.uk/vehicle-dwellerspolicy

You will need to set a new password after you have entered your login reference and your memorable date. The login reference, memorable date and password will be needed everytime you login to your account.

When setting a new password you must use the email address that you provided on your application form and the password you choose must be between 6 and 10 characters long and have at least 2 lower case letters, 2 upper case letters and 2 numbers. Symbols and punctuation are not allowed.

The UK left the EU on 31st December 2020. From 1st January 2021 withdrawal agreements protect the rights of of EEA nationals and family members living in the UK before 31st December 2020. However, if you are an EU, EEA or swiss citizen you and your family should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30th June 2021 in order to continue living in the UK after this date. You can apply for settlement at http://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

Please visit this link Pathway to a Sovereign Home. This is to improve someone's chances of being successfully offered a tenancy. 

Some of the information relates to Sovereign in particular, but it also covers some key information on getting tenancy ready that would be useful to anyone looking for housing. This includes information on budgeting and applying for benefits and gives some information on what Landlords will ask for when applying for a home. 

Sovereign have also formed a partnership with Yellow Brick Road, who provide support and training to young people looking for housing. We have space for ten young people (aged 18-35) on the programme – they’ll be guided through things like tenancy rights and responsibilities; employment and training; money management; and wellbeing.