Your Options

Are you a private tenant? Have you been served a Section 21 notice or subject to possession proceedings at the County Court?

Bolton Housing Options can assist you with:

• Negotiating with your landlord
• Addressing your arrears
• Advising on Welfare Benefits and maximising your income
• Assistance and representation at County Court
• A referral to Money Advice to help sort out any debts you may have.

If you live in the Bolton area – please contact Housing Options on 01204 335900 or email your query to housing.options@bolton.gov.uk.

Your housing options

Social Renting

You may be eligible to apply for social housing and can submit an application form with Homes for Bolton via this website. Social housing is in high demand and it may take a siginificant period of time before you can secure an offer of suitable accommodation. Once you are registered with the Homes for Bolton scheme you can begin to express interest in advertised properties for which your household meets the criteria each week.

For further advice regarding registering with Homes for Bolton you can contact the Homes for Bolton team.

Private Renting

Given the limited number and availability of social housing, generally it is possible to find a private rented property more quickly than getting a property via the Homes for Bolton scheme. The private rented sector may provide more choice in selecting property type, size and location.

Considering the private rented sector as an option may well be your best way of finding a suitable home.

Shared Ownership

Are you struggling to get on the housing ladder? You might want to consider buying a Shared Ownership Home where you buy a portion of the home and rent the remaining part from a Housing Association.

Please contact the Housing Association directly for further details and assistance.

Mutual Exchange

If you are a current social landlord tenant you may wish to speak to your provider about registering with their local mutual exchange scheme. Please contact your landlord directly for further details and assistance or click here for further information.

Overcrowding

If you feel you are overcrowded at your current property please contact the Housing Customer Support team on 01204 335814 for an assessment around statutory overcrowding. You will need to be registered with Homes for Bolton to have an assessment.

Downsizing

If you are a current social landlord tenant you may wish to speak to your provider about registering with their local mutual exchange scheme. You may also wish to discuss any downsizing options you may be eligible for.

Debt and Money Advice

If you are struggling to afford your current home please contact the Housing Prevention team for assistance. Please visit Preventing Homelessness for more information.

Need help furnishing your home?

Furniture packages are available to rent for a weekly service charge through Bolton Council's Furnished Tenancy Service.

The service provides essential furniture items for those who cannot afford the cost of furnishing their home.

You can apply for a furniture package through your housing association landlord. For further information, please visit F urnished Tenancy Service.

Homeless or Threat of Homelessness

If you need to move urgently from your current property or are homeless or facing homelessness please contact Housing Options on 01204 335900 for advice.

We will provide help, advice and support to prevent you from becoming homeless, wherever possible. The most important thing is to get advice as soon as possible. There may be things that can be done to prevent you losing your home and becoming homeless.

Disrepair

If you are experiencing problems at your property with disrepair please visit Private Rented Tenants for advice, or contact Housing Options on 01204 335900.

Landlord Harassment

If you are experiencing harassment from your landlord please visit Private Rented Tenants for advice, or contact Housing Options on 01204 335900

Anti social behaviour

If you experiencing serious anti social behaviour from your neighbour please visit Neighbour Nuisance and Anti-social behaviour for advice or contact the Anti-Social Behaviour team on 01204 336500.

If you are a current social housing tenant you will need to contact your landlord direct to report any anti social behaviour issues.

Medical or disability needs

If you are struggling in your current home due to medical need or disability please contact our Customer Support Team on 01204 335814.

You may also contact us via email at homesforboltonCSM@bolton.gov.uk

Support needs

If you are looking to move for caring and support needs please contact the Customer Support Team on 01204 335814.
You may also contact us via email at homesforboltonCSM@bolton.gov.uk

Hospital Discharge

If you are unable to return to your current home due to medical need or disability please contact Housing Options on 01204 335900 for advice.

Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse please visit Homelessness and Housing Options for those Experiencing Domestic Abuse.

Sheltered and Extra Care Housing

If you would like to move to sheltered or enhanced sheltered housing please visit Supported and Sheltered Housing or please contact Homes for Bolton team.

Crime

If you are a victim of crime please contact the police or visit Neighbour Nuisance and Anti-social Behaviour for advice or contact the Anti-Social Behaviour team on 01204 336500.

Notices

If you have been served a notice you should contact the Housing Options team and we can check to see if your notice is valid. Please contact Housing Options on 01204 335900 or email housing.options@bolton.gov.uk for advice. Further information and advice can be found on our website. Please visit Private Rented Tenants.