Bidding for Properties

When a property is advertised you will then have the opportunity to bid for it. This page provides details of the different ways that you can bid and answers some of the questions you may have. The topics covered are:

How do I bid on a property?

To "bid" (note an interest) on a property means that you are actively interested and wish to be considered for the property or properties Durham Key Options are advertising. You are able to place a bid using any of the following methods:

  • On-line on the Durham Key Options Website www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk
  • By automated telephone line 0845 270 1603 (local rate number)
  • In person at a Durham Key Option partner landlord office
  • By texting 07781 484 604
  • Through an advocate via one of the above methods
  • Assisted Bidding (this will only be appropriate for applicants with exceptional support needs

For further information regarding assisted bidding please contact us.

What can I bid for?

You can bid for any property you are eligible for. Your eligibility is defined by your household size and circumstances.

How many bids can I place within a weekly advertising cycle?

You can bid for as many properties as you wish during the advertising cycle. At the end of the cycle you will be considered for properties you have bid for. If you bid for more than one property and appear at the top of the shortlist for more than one of them you will be given 24 hours to advise us which property you would prefer to go ahead with. 

Can someone else bid on my behalf?

You can also have someone bid on your behalf, such as a friend or family member, but you should note that they would also need your application number and PIN number to do this for you. If your bid is succesful we will contact you to make the offer unless you request us to contact the person you have let us know is acting on your behalf. 

How do I use the website to bid?

Important notes:

  • Bidding via the Durham Key Options website is available 24 hours a day during the bidding cycle.
  • It does not matter what time you place your bid, or on which day, as all bids received are considered at the end of the bidding cycle.
  • Before placing a bid(s) on the property/properties that you are interested in make a note of the property reference number(s) as you will need to include this in your bid.
  • You will also need your housing application number and PIN number to hand to place your bid(s)

There is an easy to follow guide on the website showing you how to use the system and place a bid.

How do I use the automated phone line?

Important notes:

  • The automated telephone bidding line is available 24 hours a day during the bidding cycle.
  • It does not matter what time you place your bid, or on which day, as all bids received are considered at the end of the bidding cycle.
  • Before placing a bid(s) on the property/properties that you are interested in make a note of the property reference number(s) as you will need to include this in your bid.
  • You will also need your housing application number and PIN number to hand to place your bid(s)

The telephone service is a user friendly automated system. When you ring the automated telephone bidding line a number of options will be available to take you through making your bid(s) step by step. Follow the clear instructions to place your bid(s).

Important note: there are 10 languages available on the automated telephone bidding line as listed at the front of this guide. You will be asked to pick your preferred language at the start of the telephone call.

How do I bid by SMS text message?

Important notes:

  • Text bidding is available 24 hours a day during the bidding cycle.
  • It does not matter what time you place your bid, or on which day, as all bids received are considered equally at the end of the bidding cycle.
  • Before placing a bid(s) on the property/properties that you are interested in make a note of the property reference number(s) as you will need to include this in your text bid.You will also need your housing application number and PIN number to hand to place your bid(s)
  • You can bid for two properties per text message, if you want to bid for more than two properties you will need to send a further text message(s).

To place a text bid:

  • Start a new text message on your mobile phone
  • Enter your housing application number followed by a space (001234)
  • Enter your date of birth in the format ddmmyyyy followed by a space (for example 30th January 1989 enter 30011989)
  • Enter the first property reference number followed by a space (for example 112233)
  • If you are bidding on a second property enter the second property reference number followed by a space (for example 445566)
  • Your text should look like this: 001234 30011989 112233 445566
  • Send the text message to the bidding text number: 07781 484 604
  • You will receive an SMS text message response confirming that your bid(s) have been placed or telling you that your bid(s) has not been accepted.
Mobile Phone

Example:

For applicant ref: 001234 with DOB of 30 Jan 1989 to bid on properties 112233 and 445566 enter: 001234 30011989 112233 445566 and text to 07781 484 604

Can I change my mind once I have placed a bid?

During any weekly cycle, you can withdraw your bid if you change your mind about a property. You will still be able to bid for other properties within the same weekly cycle. Please contact any of the Durham Key Option partners for details.

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