Since February 2010, we have been advertising our available properties through Key to Choice. Our vacancies are advertised weekly alongside council and other housing association vacancies. This means that anyone who wishes to be housed by us or if any of our tenants wish to transfer to another Port of Leith property, they will have to use Choice to bid for any vacant properties they are interested in.

Click here to view available properties on the Key to Choice Website

I Want To Apply - What Do I Do?
First, you need to fill in an EdIndex form. EdIndex is a partnership between the Council and 20 Housing Associations and Housing Co-operatives for allocating properties.

Where Can I Get An Edindex Form?
The EdIndex form is available from the Association and any local Council neighbourhood office (or can be downloaded from the link above). If you need help filling out the form, please ask.

Is That All I Have To Do?
No, you have to look at the homes advertised and choose the property that is right for you. Our vacancies will be advertised every week in Monday's Evening News and also will be available in a free supplement available at our office. Details of vacancies are also available to view at the Council's Key to Choice website - www.keytochoice.scotsman.com - and you may submit your bids online.

How Do I Know Which House Is Right For Me?
Each property advertised tells you where the house is, how many bedrooms there are, if it's suitable for children and how much the rent is. It will also tell you if it is for a Starter or a Mover and if Port of Leith tenants will have priority over other applicants. You will be classified as a Mover as you are already one of our tenants.

So How Do I Bid For A Property?
Check out the properties available, either on the Key to Choice website www.keytochoice.scotsman.com, in the supplement available in our office or displayed in our window. You can then submit your bid in various ways:

• By bidding online on the Key to Choice website
• By phoning the council on 0131 529 5080
• By completing the form in the free supplement and posting it to the council
• If you are having difficulties, we can help you with your bid if you come into our office

So Does This Mean I Will Get One Of My Choices?
Not necessarily. We have a limited number of properties available and there are other applicants wanting to live there too. Homes are offered based on either how long you have been in your current home or how long you have been registered on Edindex, whichever is appropriate. You would get some priority if, for example, you have a medical condition, are overcrowded, homeless, under-occupying your property or if your property is being demolished or is below the ‘tolerable standard'.

What Happens Next?
If you are shortlisted for the property you wanted, we will get in touch with you after the closing date. If you've been unsuccessful, you will not hear from us.

What Do I Do If I'm Unsuccessful?
When the website is updated each week, you can choose another three properties. You should carry on doing this until you get your home. If you're not having any success, come in and speak to a Housing Officer who will be happy to help.

If you need advice or help in bidding please feel free to contact us, and staff will be happy to help. You may telephone us on 0131 554 0403, call into our office at 108 Constitution Street or email us at info@polha.co.uk .

Transferring

Sometimes tenants may wish to transfer to a different property, usually due to a change in circumstances. This will depend on the availability of property, but bids through Choice, as above, will be considered provided the tenancy has been conducted in a satisfactory manner, and their rent account has been clear for at least 3 months. Have a word with your Housing Officer if you would like more details.

Mutual Exchange

We will also consider requests from existing tenants who wish to exchange with tenants of other Housing Associations or Local Authorities, to meet their housing need. We keep an Exchange book in our reception - it holds the details of people looking to exchange their property.

Homeswapper

This is a similar scheme to a Mutual Exchange, but for people looking to move to a different part of the country. Visit the website http://www.homeswapper.co.uk/ for more information.