Cumbria Choice - Choice-based Lettings Scheme
We're a member of Cumbria Choice, which is a choice-based lettings scheme. It's a partnership of social housing providers across Cumbria.
Landlords who are part of scheme advertise available properties and manage applications for social housing. This includes council housing and housing association properties across the county.
To apply for social housing, you must register with Cumbria Choice and complete an online application form.
Before applying, please take a few moments to read the information below about how the scheme operates and who to contact if you need help.
Before you apply
How the scheme works
Once you've registered, you'll be able to log in to your account and apply for social housing.
After you've applied, you can view and bid for available properties. These properties are owned by us and other participating housing providers across Cumbria.
Lettings cycle
Our letting cycle is different to some of the other housing providers in the Cumbria Choice scheme.
If you need help or have a question
Cumbria Choice is made up of different housing providers across Cumbria.
If you need to contact a housing provider about your application, please view the contact details published by Cumbria Choice for your area.
This has contact details for all the partner organisations. This includes the three different teams in our area:
- Eden
- Furness (Barrow)
- South Lakeland
If you're already registered with Cumbria Choice you can send a message through your online account by:
- logging in to your account
- selecting 'my messages' at the top right of the screen
- selecting 'click here to contact us'
- entering your message
- selecting 'submit'
You can also view a wide range of frequently asked questions answered by Cumbria Choice.
Social housing in Cumberland
Cumberland Council is also a partner in the Cumbria Choice Scheme.
Find information about social housing and housing advice from Cumberland Council.
Your chances of getting a property specifically in the Furness (Barrow) area
Our Housing Matters for Prospective Tenants guidance (PDF, 462KB) contains information about:
- the number of council properties in each area.
- the number of properties that became available during the previous year.
- typical vacancy patterns
These figures can help you understand the likelihood of being offered accommodation in your preferred areas.
Equality and diversity
We believe everyone should be treated fairly and with respect.
Your application for housing will not be treated differently because of your:
- age
- disability
- ethnicity
- gender
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
- economic status
For more information, please view our:
- Commitment to Equality and Diversity
- Single Equality Scheme
The real cost of running a home
Before you take up a tenancy, it's important to consider all of your income and expenditure. This is to ensure that you can afford your housing costs.
Our Housing Matters for Prospective Tenants Guidance (PDF , 462KB) includes information about:
- typical weekly expenses for a one-bedroom flat
- standard Universal Credit allowances
- support available to help tenants manage their money
If you cannot afford a deposit for private rented accommodation
We no longer offer a Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DIGS) in its previous format.
Funding arrangements are being reviewed. Whilst this is happening, we can provide a cash deposit to applicants who:
- are homeless or threatened with homelessness
- meet the relevant eligibility criteria
Any deposit made must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. This must be in our name and the deposit must be returned to us at the end of your tenancy.
For more information, please contact the Homelessness Team on 01229 876 599.
You can find local private landlords in our Private Landlords Directory (PDF , 227KB).
Other housing contacts
Citizens Advice
Ramsden Hall, Abbey Road, Barrow, LA14 5QW
Telephone: 0808 2787 817
Inspira
237 Dalton Road, Barrow, LA14 1PQ
Telephone: 01229 824 052
Project John
Telephone: 01229 832 127
Revenues and Benefits Team (Housing Benefit and Universal Credit)
Telephone: 01229 404 242
Policies
You can find further information in the following policies: