Housing Advice

We help families find a home

Bridge Housing Solutions works in partnership with Local Authorities, Housing Associations, and Charities in the UK to find homeless families permanent and affordable social housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long will it take for you to find me a home?

    We are keen to move people as soon as possible and how quickly you move is mainly dependent on your flexibility on location. We do the majority of our moves in studios-2 beds and 3 beds and above can take longer. Once you have accepted a property it can take anywhere between 2-8 weeks to get fully signed up and moved in.

  2. What will my new home be like?

    Social housing properties are homes for life! This means the property will be unfurnished, with no flooring or white goods. This gives you the chance to decorate the property exactly to your taste. Always check with your new landlord if there are any restrictions on this.

  3. How long is the lease?

    These properties are permanent social housing properties which means if you abide by the signed tenancy agreement you will never be faced with homelessness again.

  4. Can you find me a property in my area?

    Bridge housing are not here to replace your Local Authority so we are not able to offer you properties in your local area. Remember we are an alternative option to living where you are now and will offer you properties 3-6 hours further afield.

  5. What is a one offer policy?

    We have a one-offer policy in place to ensure we can extend our service to as many people as possible who genuinely need help with housing. This means should you decide to move ahead with a property and later change your mind we will be unable to offer you further properties.

  6. What happens if I need help after I move?

    After moving you will be assigned a property manager within your new housing association. Sometimes it will not be an individual and would be a department instead. Once you sign up you will be given the contact details. This means you will always have someone to go to should you need assistance. Speak to your current local authority and often they will support you in your new home until you are all set up.

  7. I can’t afford my rent in advance. Can you still help me?

    Bridge Housing Solutions will pay the rent in advance due at the sign up. This is one less thing for you to worry about and money you can put towards decorating your new home!

  8. What can I do if I cannot afford my travel to the viewing?

    Speak to your Local Authority at least 3 days before your viewing and they are likely to help you with travel costs. They may order a travel card that you will need to pick up from your local station.

  9. Where can I find furniture I can afford?

    The majority of our applicants do not have any furnishings are they are moving from hotels or have been rough sleeping so you are not alone. Do not feel the pressure to fully furnish your property straight away. The most important thing is to have the keys to your permanent home and then you can build up from there! A lot of applicants will get free furniture from the places below;

    Facebook.co.uk • Preloved.co.uk • Freecycle.org • Gumtree.co.uk

    If you are claiming universal credit you can approach the Department of Work & Pensions and ask them for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is a one off payment you can get with your universal credit that you can use towards moving costs. There is no fixed amount and it depends on the individual circumstance. This is not a loan so you would not have to pay it back. Some local authorities give applicants money, vouchers or furniture towards their move. Speak with your local authority when you are being offered a property and see if they have anything in place to support your move.

  10. How do I contact Universal Credit about the rent for my new home?

    Upload a comment and your new tenancy agreement onto your UC account. They will then take a look at this and adjust your UC amount to align with your new rent amount. They may have some questions for you so please look out for any responses via your journal or by phone.

  11. Once you have moved

    Welcome to your new home! When it comes to moving house, there are so many things to think about that it can often become a stressful and tiring process.

    Benefits and paying your rent

    If you claim any welfare benefits, make sure you apply for them straight away. You can check your entitlement to benefit through www.Turn2usorg.uk.

    If you are planning to claim Housing Benefit, please remember the following points:

    • If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit is suspended, delayed or cancelled it should make no difference to your rent payment.
    • Any shortfall in benefits payments will be your responsibility and you will need to confirm with your housing officer when these payments will be made to cover the rent.

    Water

    Contact your local water authority to inform them you have moved in.

  12. Council Tax

    As the authorised occupier (tenant/ licensee etc) of self-contained accommodation you are responsible for the payment of Council Tax and for claiming any Council Tax benefit that you may be eligible for. You will need to contact your Local Council and let them know you have moved in.

    For help finding who your council is, visit www.gov.uk/find-your-local-council.

  13. Utility Bills

    As the authorised occupier (tenant/ licensee etc) you responsible for the payment of all utility charges (gas and electricity supplies) during your ‘tenancy’ and will need to notify the gas and electricity supplier you have moved in and that these accounts can be changed into your name.

    You can get useful information on effective ways to heat and Insulate your home from the Energy Savings Trust on 0845 727 7200 or at energysavingtrust.org.uk

  14. Gas and electricity

    The first step is to find out which provider supplies your utilities. It is entirely your choice as to which suppliers you engage with.

    You will need the meter readings that are supplied in your check-in inventory report to set up these accounts. Please contact your housing officer if you have not received it.

  15. TV Licensing

    If you intend to use a television at your new home, you must apply for a TV Licence registered from that address: failure to do so could result in your prosecution and a significant fine being imposed by the Courts. You can apply for your TV Licence at https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/pay-for-your-tv- licence/index.app

“Supporting those across the sector
to tackle homelessness”