At sign-up you will need to make a payment. If you are paying your rent monthly the first month’s rent needs to be paid upfront. For any other payment frequency, such as weekly, fortnightly or four weekly you’ll need to pay the amount that covers the initial period.

You will still need to make a payment even if you’re receiving help with Housing Costs through Universal Credit (UC) or Housing Benefit (HB). Not all charges are covered by UC or HB, so you’ll need to cover the charges due for the initial period, depending on your chosen payment frequency.  

If you’re unsure whether you might be eligible for help with housing costs through UC or HB, we can check this for you and let you know what additional documentation you’ll need to bring to the sign-up. 

You must also bring two proofs of identification to the sign-up appointment and one of these must include a photograph, for example:

• Passport
• Medical card
• Driving licence
• Benefit letters
• Birth certificate
• Utility bills

Properties at specific addresses require two references to be provided.

The Homechoice advert will confirm if references are required before you bid for the property.

If you need to provide references, at least one of these must be from a current or previous landlord or a professional person such as a doctor or teacher.