New HomeChoice FAQs

Moving to the new website

Why is HomeChoice moving to a new website?

The HomeChoice register needed to be updated to keep up to date with the latest housing laws, and make it easier for our applicants to maintain their applications.

When does the new website go live?

This site opened for applicants to make new applications on Monday 21 September. There will be six weeks to allow everyone to move their applications across, and the first properties will be advertised here in November.

Why do I need to register again?

We need your permission to keep your data on a different website. Also, over time a lot of applications end up out of date. This gives you a chance to update your details and make sure they’re correct.

What happens if I do nothing?

If you do not complete an application on this website, you won’t be able to bid on properties. Your housing register application will be closed completely if you do not complete an application on this website by Monday 30 November.

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Existing applications

Will I keep my application date?

If your application number from Housing Jigsaw matches with your surname and date of birth when you fill in the form on this website, yes that will happen automatically. We do also have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

Will I keep my banding?

If your application number from Housing Jigsaw matches with your surname and date of birth when you fill in the form on this website, yes that will happen automatically. We do also have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

Will I need to provide evidence again?

If your application number from Housing Jigsaw matches with your surname and date of birth when you fill in the form on this website, no. Your application will be made live even if you do not provide any further evidence. We do also have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

Will I need to provide ID again?

If your application number from Housing Jigsaw matches with your surname and date of birth when you fill in the form on this website, no. Your application will be made live even if you do not provide any further evidence. We do also have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

Do I need to complete a new housing application?

Yes. The more information you can provide, the better informed our partner landlords will be if they are considering you for a property, but you only have to complete the mandatory fields (shown in red) as a minimum.

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Application details

Where can I find my application number?

We will be sending reminder emails with your Housing Jigsaw application number on, but if you can’t find that email the number is also on the “Housing Register Summary” page of your customer portal on Housing Jigsaw.

What if I have lost my application number?

We will be sending reminder emails with your Housing Jigsaw application number on, but if you can’t find that email the number is also on the “Housing Register Summary” page of your customer portal on Housing Jigsaw.

What if my surname has changed?

It is your responsibility to keep your application up to date on both Housing Jigsaw and the new site. However, if you complete the application with incorrect data we have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

What if my date of birth is recorded incorrectly?

It is your responsibility to keep your application up to date on both Housing Jigsaw and the new site. However, if you complete the application with incorrect data we have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

What if I've changed address?

It is your responsibility to keep your application up to date on both Housing Jigsaw and the new site. Once your application has been activated, you will need to contact us to advise us that you have been assessed on your old address, and we will need to re-assess your banding.

What if my contact details have changed?

If your telephone number or email address has changed since using Housing Jigsaw, just create your new account here with your new contact details. As long as your application number from Housing Jigsaw matches with your surname and date of birth when you fill in the form on this website it will correctly match you.

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Bidding for properties

Can I still bid on Housing Jigsaw?

Properties will continue to be advertised on Housing Jigsaw until Wednesday 21 October. After that there will be a two-week gap to allow us to prepare for advertising on the new system.

When will bidding open on the new website?

The first properties are due to be advertised on this new website on Thursday 5 November.

What happens to any bids I have already made?

Any properties that were advertised on Housing Jigsaw will be allocated based upon the bids placed on Housing Jigsaw. Any bids you placed will remain valid until somebody accepts an offer on the property.

When will properties stop being advertised on Housing Jigsaw?

Properties will continue to be advertised on Housing Jigsaw until Wednesday 21 October. After that there will be a two-week gap to allow us to prepare for advertising on the new system.

How will I know which website to use?

The website that is advertising properties is the one to bid upon. If you need to update your application, you will need to update it here on the new HomeChoice website.

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Access and support

What if I do not have internet access?

All North Somerset libraries have computers that you can use to access the internet free of charge. You can go to any library computer and log in with your library card and PIN. Ask staff for your PIN if you don’t know it.

Can someone else help me complete the form?

In the first instance, please ask if a family member or friend can help you complete the application form. There is also a question on the form where you can give consent for someone else to act upon your behalf.

What if I have difficulty using computers?

North Somerset Council supports a variety of support mechanisms to help applicants to get online. You can read more about them at “In-person help to get online | North Somerset Council”.

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Technical issues

My application will not transfer automatically.

We do also have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

The system says my details do not match.

We do also have a process to identify mismatches. If your application hasn’t been correctly matched by Friday 30 October, email us and we will check it for you.

I haven't received an email to verify my email address.

The email should be delivered in a few minutes but if you don’t receive it, please check your Spam/Junk folder. The email will be entitled ‘Confirm your email address’ and come from northsomerset@huumeportal.co.uk. If you move the email into your Inbox all future emails will appear there automatically.