Renting a Council Home
When you leave care, you have the right to get help finding somewhere safe to live. We can support you to get your own tenancy through Rotherham Council’s housing service, Key Choices.
Your Personal Adviser (PA) will work with you to help you get ready for your tenancy. They will also apply to the Housing Panel so your care leaver priority status is recognised.
How the housing process works
1. Join the Rotherham Housing Register
- You will need to apply to join the housing register through Rotherham Housing Services.
- As a care leaver under 25, you automatically have a local connection to Rotherham.
- Care leavers usually get priority status, which means your application is placed higher on the list.
- Your PA will help you complete the forms and make sure your care leaver status is included.
2. Choose properties (bidding)
- Rotherham uses Key Choices, a choice‑based letting system.
- Homes are advertised twice a week on the council website.
- You (or your PA) can “bid” on any property you are interested in. Bidding is free — it simply means you want to be considered.
- Only bid on homes you would genuinely accept. Think about the location, transport, work, college and your support network.
- If you refuse a suitable offer, it may count against you and you could lose your Band 1 priority.
- We can also talk to you about auto‑bidding, where the system bids for you automatically.
3. Priority counts
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If many people bid for the same home, a shortlist is created based on the band the property is advertised to and the “effective date” of each application.
4. Viewing the property
- If your bid is successful, you will be invited to view the property.
- Your PA or a housing officer can go with you.
5. Accepting the home
- If you want the property, you will be offered a tenancy.
- An income and expenditure check will be completed to make sure the tenancy is affordable.
- You will sign the tenancy agreement, receive your keys and move in.
- If you are unsure about the property, speak to your PA before turning it down. Refusing a suitable offer may affect your Band 1 status.
6. Getting set up
- Your PA and housing support services will help you set up bills, apply for any Housing Benefit or Universal Credit you are entitled to, and settle into your new home.
- You will also be supported to access the Rotherham Tenancy Support Team.
You will not go through this process alone. Your PA will help you apply, bid and move in.
Housing outside Rotherham
We can only guarantee priority status in Rotherham. If you have lived in another area for a long time, you may be able to join that area’s housing list. Some areas have very limited housing, so it can be difficult to get a council home.
Your PA can help you explore options in another area. If you are not eligible for priority housing there, you may need to return to Rotherham or look at private renting. Your PA will support you with this.
When you move in, your PA will help you with essentials such as bedding, kitchen items and setting up bills and council tax.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to get a home?
It depends on the type of property you want and how many people bid for it. With care leaver priority, you should not have to wait as long as most applicants.
What if I don’t like the property?
You can say no, but always speak to your PA first. Refusing a suitable offer may mean you lose Band 1 priority.
Can I rent privately instead?
Yes. We can help you look at private renting. Your PA will explain tenancy agreements, deposits and your rights.
