SHEPHERDS BUSH HOUSING ASSOCIATION UNDEROCCUPYING AND OVERCROWDING POLICY
|
|
- Reginald Dean
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 (UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED) SHEPHERDS BUSH HOUSING ASSOCIATION 1. INTRODUCTION Shepherds Bush Housing Association (SBHA) intend to avoid underoccupation of our properties and to minimise and avoid overcrowding where possible. We plan to free up underoccupied homes to better house overcrowded families. We will provide various means to enable, encourage and support downsizing, and will seek to prevent underoccupation where possible. This policy applies only to general needs and sheltered housing tenants. Provisions concerning downsizing apply only to our tenants downsizing within or beyond our housing stock, and not to tenants of other social landlords downsizing into our housing stock. 2. AIMS This policy aims to: Suitably accommodate households Provide solutions, options and incentives for downsizing Free up underoccupied homes to house overcrowded families Consider the impact of welfare reform upon underoccupation 3. UNDEROCCUPYING AND OVERCROWDING SBHA recognise that resolving overcrowding is a key factor in improving life chances; overcrowded homes can affect health and educational attainment and impact negatively on opportunities. Underoccupied homes can be expensive to heat and difficult to run, especially for elderly tenants, and contribute to trapping other households in overcrowded homes due to a general shortage of large properties in London. Larger family properties have three or more bedrooms, while significant family properties four or more; these properties are in great demand yet represent less than 20% of our housing stock. We will include larger family properties in our development programme where feasible, but recognise that our primary focus must be on the best use of our existing housing stock. 1
2 We will therefore focus on reducing underoccupation through downsizing, with a particular emphasis on our larger family properties. 4. HOUSEHOLD OCCUPANCY SBHA will determine the designation of rooms as bedrooms, and number of bedrooms required, in accordance with our Allocations and Lettings Policy. We will not count non-dependent adults aged 21 and over as members of the household other than when determining bedroom need for downsizing. We will ensure that all household members currently with their own bedroom retain such entitlement for voluntary downsizing, except where there are welfare reform implications. There are varying definitions and quantifications concerning household occupancy: Underoccupation occurs where a tenant has more bedrooms than required to adequately accommodate their household Overcrowding occurs where a tenant has fewer bedrooms than required to reasonably accommodate their household Statutory overcrowding occurs where there are more occupants than the law says there is room for in the property Intentional overcrowding occurs where a tenant allows non-dependents to join their household causing it to become overcrowded or for existing overcrowding to worsen Whilst child birth may contribute to overcrowding, the addition of new-borns to the household is not in itself considered intentional overcrowding. 5. OVERCROWDING Overcrowding typically occurs where a property is allocated based on housing need, and over a period of time the household grows, from birth or adoption or through multigeneration occupancy. We will include in occupancy agreements the maximum number of residents permitted to occupy the property. We will not tolerate intentional overcrowding, and will expect tenants to avoid creating a situation where their home becomes avoidably overcrowded. We will not normally assist with cases of intentional overcrowding due to its wilful nature STATUTORY OVERCROWDING The Housing Act 1985 establishes criteria for assessing and determining overcrowding. A standard number of rooms and a standard amount of floor space are calculated for the 2
3 household, and occupancy in excess of either of these standards constitutes statutory overcrowding. Both landlord and tenant may, in certain circumstances, be prosecuted for allowing statutory overcrowding of a property. We will not grant a tenancy which would lead to statutory overcrowding, nor will we normally renew such a tenancy. We will notify the relevant local authority of any cases of statutory overcrowding which we identify, and will seek their assistance to resolve or alleviate the overcrowding. We will work with tenants to explore solutions to cases of statutory overcrowding, and may seek possession where ultimately necessary CROWDING AND SPACE The Housing Health and Safety Rating System s Crowding and Space factors provide a statutory framework for the local authority to appraise whether the space and facilities available in the current property are sufficient for the present household or may constitute hazards under the rating system PREVENTION SBHA expect tenants to avoid statutory overcrowding and crowding and space hazards, and to take appropriate steps to mitigate overcrowding (such as requiring a non-dependant adult to seek suitable accommodation elsewhere) and or to use all reasonable endeavours to seek and obtain alternative accommodation which meets the needs of their household. In appraising non-statutory overcrowding we will disregard any non-dependant adults aged 21 or over and their dependent children as reasonably able to be accommodated independently of the household REMEDY Overcrowded households have the right to apply to their local authority as homeless on the basis that it is unreasonable for their household to continue to occupy their current property due to significant overcrowding; we will expect eligible tenants to do so as part of their attempts to resolve overcrowding. We will give additional priority to overcrowded households seeking an internal transfer under our Allocations and Lettings Policy. We will refer overcrowded households to relevant services, schemes and initiatives which could help address overcrowding. We will consider partitioning particularly large bedrooms where feasible and achievable without remodelling. We will encourage overcrowded households to explore mutual exchange opportunities with underoccupying households. We will refer non-dependents to employment and training support where this may help them to gain independence to leave the family home and thus alleviate overcrowding. 3
4 6. UNDEROCCUPATION Underoccupation typically occurs where a property is allocated based on housing need, and over time the household composition changes, such as children growing up and leaving the family home. We intend to address underoccupation through encouraging and facilitating downsizing MAJOR ADAPTATIONS SBHA expect any major adaptations to remain required, and will usually permit underoccupation where a property has a major adaptation and downsizing would be disproportionate. Refer to the Aids and Adaptations Policy for further information on adaptations WELFARE REFORM The government s welfare reforms impact particularly on working-age underoccupying households. The bedroom tax and Local Housing Allowance limitations mean that claimants who are underoccupying according to specific rules may find their Housing Benefit or Universal Credit payment reduced, creating a rent shortfall. We expect tenants who are legitimately underoccupying and affected by relevant welfare reform measures to downsize to appropriate accommodation or otherwise pay the rent shortfall. We will be proactive in encouraging and assisting these tenants to downsize, such as through making unsolicited direct offers where we consider this appropriate. Some tenants may consider taking in lodgers or subtenants in accordance with our Subletting and Lodging Policy to fund the rent shortfall and or reduce underoccupation. 7. DOWNSIZING SBHA recognise that most underoccupying tenants have been in their home for many years, and many will have fond memories of raising a family in the home. We understand that many such tenants will have been allocated their home at a time when larger family homes were aplenty, and reasonably expect that households in need today will be accommodated just as easily and swiftly. Downsizing moves will fall into one of two distinct streams; most downsizing will be voluntary and therefore incentivised and facilitated accordingly, while downsizing under certain circumstances will be compulsory and therefore managed alternatively. We will explain and encourage tenants to consider voluntarily downsizing in order to assist households in desperate need of family homes, and will provide incentive and support to encourage and facilitate downsizing where appropriate. 4
5 7.1. LOGISTICS The key method for downsizing moves will be a housing transfer, whether internal or external, however we may also make direct offers, and facilitate mutual exchanges. Tenants will be granted a new tenancy of equivalent security when they transfer with us, and we may guarantee where appropriate that rent will not increase as a result of transfer. We may commute the notice period for transfers, or waive all or a portion of the rent due during this period should we consider it appropriate to facilitate the transfer. We will award eligible tenants wishing to downsize a higher banding in accordance with our Allocations and Lettings Policy in order to assist them to move to a suitable property of their choice. We may on occasion make a direct offer of suitable accommodation to a tenant who wishes to downsize. We may permit an internal mutual exchange to a property with an additional bedroom where in accordance with a premium housing offer VOLUNTARY DOWNSIZING SBHA recognise that downsizing involves short-term disruption and upheaval for tenants and can sometimes be of little personal advantage; we must therefore ensure that the positives offered by voluntary downsizing outweigh or counterbalance the negatives. We will seek to incentivise downsizing of larger family homes by accommodating the tenant s housing preferences in addition to their housing needs, negotiating a premium housing offer from a downsizing menu. We will apply discretion where appropriate to obtain the best possible outcome for the tenant and ourselves in freeing up larger homes. We will discuss the tenant s housing desires, and identify what we can reasonably offer, and which compromises may be necessary. The premium housing offer will be relative to the size and desirability of the property we stand to gain. The downsizing menu could include: a small house a ground floor property a property with a balcony a property with car parking a sole garden a shared or communal garden a spare room painting and decorating Spare rooms would only be considered where there are no rent shortfall implications and reasonable existing utilisation (eg grandchildren regularly spending the night). A spare room would usually be a single bedroom for accommodation purposes, or otherwise a boxroom or similar for storage. We will only make premium housing offers to lifetime tenants who voluntarily downsize and are not likely to be subject to compulsory downsizing in future. 5
6 7.3. COMPULSORY DOWNSIZING SBHA have the ability to enforce downsizing in particularly limited circumstances and will normally do so where there is underoccupation. In such cases we may pay Downsizing Expenses but will not grant any Downsizing Incentive, and will require the tenant to downsize to a property strictly meeting their housing needs with no possibility of a premium housing offer. We will enforce downsizing during or following succession in accordance with our Succession Policy, and during tenancy renewal in accordance with our Tenancy Policy. 8. DOWNSIZING PAYMENTS SBHA will operate downsizing incentive and expenses payment schemes to encourage, support and facilitate downsizing. Eligibility for the downsizing incentive and expenses payment schemes will be at our sole discretion, as agreed in advance, and subject to sufficient budget. The schemes are designed to assist tenants to downsize who would otherwise be unable or unwilling to. In order to qualify for the schemes, tenants must downsize to a property meeting but not exceeding their housing needs, unless such enhancement is a premium housing offer for voluntary downsizing. Third-parties receiving a discretionary tenancy have no entitlement to either scheme. Payments will be made in accordance with the principles of the Compensation Policy; any rent arrears, recharges or other debts will be offset against an incentive payment but will not normally be offset against an expenses payment DOWNSIZING INCENTIVE SBHA will operate a downsizing incentive scheme whereby we make a payment to tenants who downsize, subject to eligibility. The payment will be 1,000 per bedroom forgone. We will only make a payment to lifetime tenants who voluntarily downsize, and where there is no possibility of compulsory downsizing. We will not normally pay an incentive payment to those tenants who benefit from a discretionary tenancy because the value of a social tenancy far exceeds that of an incentive payment DOWNSIZING EXPENSES SBHA will operate a downsizing expenses scheme to assist tenants with the expenses incurred in moving home, such as removal, mail redirection, and utility and facilities connections, subject to eligibility. 6
7 The downsizing expenses payment will be up to 750 per move, and may depend on size of property and distance between properties. We may alternatively assist and arrange and fund removals and other logistics in lieu of an expenses payment. We expect to make payment in cases of voluntary and compulsory downsizing; where eligible tenants mutually exchange with another SBHA tenant who is currently overcrowded; and where a tenant undertakes a split tenancy. 9. DISCRETIONARY TENANCIES A discretionary tenancy is a tenancy granted to a third-party outside the usual eligibility rules in accordance with our Allocations and Lettings Policy. The third-party will always be a permanent, established adult member of the tenant s household, and would be offered a property meeting their housing needs. We may consider a discretionary tenancy in certain circumstances in order to address underoccupation or alleviate overcrowding. Discretionary tenancies are awarded at our sole discretion and must be agreed by both a relevant Head of Service and Director, and must be balanced against the principles of the standard allocations system. We will require any tenant entering into a split or relief tenancy deal to sign a binding contract to end their existing tenancy before we grant any discretionary tenancies; should the tenant fail to uphold their side of the deal then we will seek possession against both the tenant and the third-party at the earliest opportunity as appropriate SPLIT TENANCY A split tenancy is a discretionary tenancy granted to a third-party, whereby the tenant agrees to downsize to a smaller property in return for the granting of the split tenancy. A split tenancy is only available to lifetime tenants, and no underoccupation would be permitted of either the third-party or tenant following the split tenancy. We should normally gain a minimum of two bedrooms, or a significant family property. We will not normally split a tenancy in multiple ways, nor on multiple occasions. The tenant would retain their existing security of tenure in their new property, while the third-party would be granted a new tenancy in accordance with our Tenancy Policy. We may offer the third-party a two year non-renewable tenancy where we consider it appropriate; the tenancy particulars will form a core term of any split tenancy deal. 7
8 9.2. RELIEF TENANCY A relief tenancy is a discretionary tenancy granted to a third-party, whereby the tenant agrees to surrender their own tenancy and vacate their home in return for the granting of the relief tenancy. Relief tenancies are usually suited to underoccupying multi-generation households conferring their continued housing right upon a non-dependent member of their household in return for vacating a significant family property. The third-party would be granted a brand new tenancy in accordance with our Tenancy Policy; they neither succeed to nor are assigned the tenant s existing tenancy DETATCHED TENANCY A detached tenancy is a discretionary tenancy granted to a third-party, whereby the tenant is overcrowded and assisting a non-dependant to move out will alleviate the overcrowding. We may on occasion offer a detached tenancy where an overcrowded household have explored all other options to address their overcrowding, and the detached tenancy would resolve or significantly alleviate the overcrowding. Such detached tenancies would usually be awarded to an adult member of the household who is able to live independently, along with any of their dependants, but otherwise unable to obtain suitable accommodation. The tenant s tenancy would remain unchanged, while the third-party would be granted a tenancy in accordance with our Tenancy Policy. 10. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY SBHA will ensure that this policy is applied fairly and consistently. We will not directly or indirectly discriminate against any person or group of people in line with our Equality and Diversity Policy. We will act sensitively towards the diverse needs of individuals and communities and will take positive action where appropriate. 11. TRAINING SBHA will provide all staff responsible for implementing this policy with comprehensive training as required. 12. MONITORING SBHA will monitor occupancy of our homes. We will report on our performance to our Senior Management Team and Board on a regular basis. 8
9 13. REVIEW SBHA will formally review this policy every two years, unless changes in legislation or regulation require an earlier review. 14. SCOPE This policy applies to employees with statements of terms and conditions from the following organisations: Shepherds Bush Housing Association 15. STATUTORY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK This policy is informed by the following legislation and regulation: Tenancy Standard Housing Act 1985 Housing Act 1996 Housing Act 2004 Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005 Welfare Reform Act 2012 Welfare Reform and Work Act ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS This policy is supported by the following documents: Downsizing Procedure Allocations and Lettings Policy Tenancy Policy Succession Policy Mutual Exchange Policy Aids and Adaptations Policy Subletting and Lodging Policy 9
APPENDIX A DRAFT. Under-occupation Policy
APPENDIX A DRAFT Under-occupation Policy Published: August 2013 1 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The introduction of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 has led to cuts in the amount of housing benefit people receive
More informationLeasehold Management Policy
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Policy Contents 1 Aims and Objectives 2 Definitions 3 Legal and regulatory framework 4 Key aspects of service delivery 5 Monitoring 6 Staff Training 7 Review 8 Equality Impact
More informationMutual Exchange Policy
Mutual Exchange Policy Author I Jekyll Job Title Operations Director Approved by / Date Operations Committee October 2012 Approved by Challenge Group / Date October 2012 Review Date October 2016 Cross
More informationTenancy Policy. 1 Introduction. 12 September Executive Management Team Approval Date: Review date: September 2018
Tenancy Policy Originator: Executive Management Team Approval Date: Policy and Strategy Team 12 September 2017 Review date: September 2018 1 Introduction 1.1 1.2 This Policy sets out how One Vision Housing
More informationSHEPHERDS BUSH HOUSING ASSOCIATION LEASE EXTENSION POLICY
(UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED) SHEPHERDS BUSH HOUSING ASSOCIATION 1. INTRODUCTION Shepherds Bush Housing Association (SBHA) recognises the desire of residential leaseholders to extend the term of their lease
More informationLodger and sub-letting policy
Lodger and sub-letting policy Date: Author: 1 st July 2015 Sue Wilson for you for your community not for profit TWO RIVERS HOUSING Lodger and Sub-letting Policy 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Two Rivers Housing
More informationSERVICE POLICY MUTUAL EXCHANGES AND SUCCESSIONS OF TENANCY
SERVICE POLICY MUTUAL EXCHANGES AND SUCCESSIONS OF TENANCY INTRODUCTION This policy was reviewed following the introduction of Choice Based Lettings for the North Yorkshire Sub-Regional area. In light
More informationTenancy Policy Introduction Legal Framework Purpose Principles Policy Statement Tenancy Statement...
1 Tenancy Policy January 2014 Table of Contents Tenancy Policy... 1 Introduction... 2 Legal Framework... 2 Purpose... 3 Principles... 3 Policy Statement... 4 Tenancy Statement... 4 Tenancy Types... 5 Assured
More informationPOLICY: LETTINGS. 1.0 Introduction. 2.0 Background Legislation. 3.0 Definitions. 4.0 Objectives
POLICY: LETTINGS 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Thames Valley Housing (TVH) supports Local Authorities (LAs) with their strategic housing functions and their duties to meet identified local housing needs. 1.2 We
More informationSSHA Tenancy Policy. Page: 1 of 7
POLICY 1. Overall Policy Statement 1.1 South Staffordshire Housing Association (SSHA) will work with all customers to develop and maintain sustainable communities and sees a range of tenancy products and
More informationSouthend-on-Sea Borough Council. Tenancy Policy
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Tenancy Policy 2013-18 Tenancy Policy Contents Page No. 1. Introduction 3 2. Strategic Context 3 3. Policy Aims 3 4. The types of tenancies we offer 4 5. Flexible tenancy
More informationMutual Exchange Policy
Mutual Exchange Policy Version 1.7 Date of Last Update: 14/12/15 1 Version Control Note: minor updates increase version number by 0.1, major updates increase version number by 1.0. Version Date of Sections
More informationTENURE POLICY. 1.2 The Policy sets out the type of tenancy agreement we will offer when letting our properties for the following tenures.
Part of the Trust s Tenancy Management Framework Level 1 policy approval TENURE POLICY 1. Introduction 1.1 The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (the Trust) is a Registered Provider of homes. In accordance
More informationMutual Exchange Policy
Mutual Exchange Policy 1. Scope and Purpose 1.1. Clarion Housing wishes to support resident s who need to move to and to provide a level of choice about where they live. This policy sets out Clarion Housing
More informationEnd of fixed term tenancy policy
End of fixed term tenancy policy This policy replaces the related clauses of the Tenancy Policies of Circle 33 and Affinity Sutton Homes (AS) and the AS Fixed Term Tenancy Management Procedure. 1. Purpose
More informationDecember 2017 Website. Lettings Policy (General Needs Housing)
December 2017 Website Lettings Policy (General Needs Housing) 1. Introduction CHS GROUP (CHS) is a charitable Housing Association which has a duty to ensure its homes are allocated to people in housing
More informationWandsworth Borough Council. Tenancy and Rent Strategy
APPENDIX 1 TO PAPER NO. 19-08 Wandsworth Borough Council Tenancy and Rent Strategy CONTENTS Page Introduction 2 Tenancies for applicants who were not already social housing tenants as at 1st April 2012
More informationMutual Exchange Policy
Page 1 of 7 1.0 Introduction Mutual Exchange Policy 1.1 Coastline is committed to offering mobility opportunities to its customers who wish to move. Mutual exchanges provide them with an opportunity to
More informationMutual Exchange for Lifetime Tenants
Mutual Exchange for Lifetime Tenants By acting with a business head and social heart, together we achieve our mission to enhance life chances by helping people to fulfil their potential and live better,
More informationHOME LOSS AND DISTURBANCE POLICY
ARK HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD POLICY REF: HM12 Version 2.0 - October 2013 HOME LOSS AND DISTURBANCE POLICY 1.0 POLICY STATEMENT 1.1 Ark Housing Association may make payment to tenants in a number of circumstances
More informationKATHERINE S HOUSE, DUNSTABLE STREET, AMPTHILL, BEDS, MK45 2JP TEL: FAX: (01525)
MOVING TENANCY POLICY KATHERINE S HOUSE, DUNSTABLE STREET, AMPTHILL, BEDS, MK45 2JP TEL: 0300 123 5544 FAX: (01525) 403682 E-mail: enquiry@aragon-housing.co.uk INTRODUCTION All registered providers are
More informationHOUSING ALLOCATIONS SCHEME (Scheme of Letting Priorities)
HOUSING ALLOCATIONS SCHEME (Scheme of Letting Priorities) Housing Allocations Scheme (Scheme of Letting Priorities) Section 1. Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Housing Areas 1.3 Transfer Applications
More informationH 19. Sustainability Policy. April 2017 April 2020
H 19 Sustainability Policy Date of Approval Review due April April 2017 April 2020 Contents 1. Introduction Purpose of the Policy 2. Key Policy Issues 3. Tenancy Sustainability Policy 4. Aims and Objectives
More informationDocument control. Supercedes (Version & Date) Version 2 February 2017
Tenancy Policy Document control Document Reference / Version Number Version 3 November 2017 Title of Document Authors Name(s) Angela Havens Authors Job Title(s) Head of Income & Customer Support Directorate(s)
More informationALLOCATION SCHEME. Effective from the day of 24 th April In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires:-
COMHAIRLE CATHRACH CHORCAÍ CORK CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATION SCHEME In accordance with Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011 (S.I. No.
More informationHAVEBURY HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
HS0025 HAVEBURY HOUSING PARTNERSHIP POLICY HOME PURCHASE POLICY Controlling Authority Director of Resources Policy Number HS025 Issue No. 3 Status Final Date November 2013 Review date November 2016 Equality
More informationParadigm Housing Group Tenure Policy
Paradigm Housing Group Tenure Policy April 2017 Policy Title Tenure Policy Policy statement Objective Background As a Private Registered Provider of homes, Paradigm is committed to letting our properties
More informationCONTROLLING AUTHORITY: Head of Housing & Community Services. DATE: August AMENDED: Changes to Starter Tenancies.
TENANCY POLICY CONTROLLING AUTHORITY: Head of Housing & Community Services ISSUE NO: 3 STATUS: LIVE DATE: August 2014 AMENDED: Changes to Starter Tenancies 1 Index 1.0 Purpose of the Policy 2.0 Tenancy
More informationQualification Snapshot CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Services (QCF)
Qualification Snapshot CIH Certificate in Housing Services (QCF) The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is an awarding organisation for national qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 4. CIH is the leading
More informationAllocations and lettings Policy
Allocations and lettings Policy Summary: This policy applies to the allocation and letting of social housing managed and owned by Genesis Housing Association. In addition, it covers the policy in relation
More informationCross Keys Homes Tenancy Policy
Cross Keys Homes Tenancy Policy 1 1. Introduction.. pg. 3 2. Statement of intent. pg. 3 3. Policy aims and objectives... pg. 3 4. Tenancy Types pg. 3-5 5. Mutual Exchange.. pg. 5 6. Succession pg. 5 7.
More informationGranting Sole and Joint Tenancies Policy ENFORCEMENT POLICY
Policy Document Granting Sole and Joint Tenancies Policy ENFORCEMENT POLICY Author: Lisa Griffin Authorised by: Sharon Morgan Owned by: Sharon Morgan Issue No: 1 Effective from: 01/06/15 Consultation Required?
More informationThe impact of the bedroom tax on stock management by social landlords March 2014
The impact of the bedroom tax on stock management by social landlords March 2014 www.cihscotland.org If you have any questions about this survey please contact david.bookbinder@cih.org Tel: 0131 225 4544
More informationPolicy on the Discharge of Duty to Homeless Applicants owed a duty under Section 193 of the Housing Act 1996
Appendix C Policy on the Discharge of Duty to Homeless Applicants owed a duty under Section 193 of the Housing Act 1996 Version 1 Dated: October 2013 Related documents: Homelessness Strategy SCDC Tenancy
More informationALLOCATIONS & LETTINGS POLICY
ALLOCATIONS & LETTINGS POLICY 1 Introduction 1.1 CHISEL is a registered housing association dedicated to the development and support of housing co-ops and to a high level of tenant participation in the
More informationVoluntary Right to Buy Policy. Dan Gray, Executive Director, Property
Policy title: Scope: Policy owner & job title: Approver: Voluntary Right to Buy Policy Aspire Housing Alice Newman, Land and Stock Intelligence Manager Dan Gray, Executive Director, Property Date: 07/2018
More informationTenancy Policy Dale & Valley Homes Durham City Homes and East Durham Homes
Tenancy Policy Dale & Valley Homes Durham City Homes and East Durham Homes Version Author Date Review date Comments/amendments This policy outlines the way in which County Durham Housing Group and the
More informationNational Standards Compliance Tenancy Standard Summary Report Quarter /15
National s Compliance Tenancy 1.1.1 Registered providers shall let their homes in a fair, transparent and efficient way. They shall take into account the housing needs and aspirations of tenants and potential
More informationImpact of welfare reforms on housing associations: Early effects and responses by landlords and tenants
Impact of welfare reforms on housing associations: Early effects and responses by landlords and tenants For the National Housing Federation February 2014 Legal notice 2014 Ipsos MORI all rights reserved.
More informationAllocations and Lettings Policy
Date approved TBC Date of Next Review May 2016 Date of Last Review May 2015 Review Frequency Annually Type of document Policy Owner Name Jenny Spoor, Group Head of Neighbourhoods Job Title Approved by
More informationDECANT POLICY AND PROCEDURES
DECANT POLICY AND PROCEDURES A. INTRODUCTION A.1 Solon aims to provide good quality accommodation and in providing this, it is sometimes necessary to modernise, re-improve and carry out major repairs to
More informationTenancy Policy March 2016
Tenancy Policy March 2016 0. DOCUMENT CONTROL 0.1 SUMMARY This policy provides a summary of the types of tenancy which Golden Gates Housing Trust may use, how changes to a tenancy may occur during the
More informationRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Tenancy Policy
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Tenancy Policy 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this policy is to detail how the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (the Council) will issue tenancies to the social
More informationProposed Variation to Stage 1 Proposed District Plan VISITOR ACCOMMODATION DRAFT
Proposed Variation to Stage 1 Proposed District Plan VISITOR ACCOMMODATION Prepared by Ian Johnson, Mitchell Daysh Ltd For Bookabach Ltd Version 0.4 Residential Visitor Accommodation The Variation Alternative
More informationLettings and Tenancy. Date: February 2015 Version: 1. Document Reference: Document Owner: Annette Morrison. See also: Date last reviewed: June 2014
Lettings and Tenancy Date: February 2015 Version: 1 Document Reference: Document Owner: Annette Morrison See also: Date last reviewed: June 2014 Date due for next review: February 2017 1. Purpose To ensure
More informationTenancy Changes Policy
Tenancy Changes Policy Version 3. February 2014 Registered address: LLP, Fleet House, 59-61 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5LA Responsible officer: Author: Approved by: Head of Operations Policy and Project
More informationCircle Housing Wherry
Circle Housing Wherry Allocations Policy Circle Housing Wherry offers greater opportunities for independent, affordable and secure living to people in housing need. 1 Scope 1.1 This policy applies to the
More informationUTTLESFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL HOUSING ALLOCATIONS SCHEME
UTTLESFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL HOUSING ALLOCATIONS SCHEME (ALLOCATIONS POLICY) [Type text] January 2015 Uttlesford District Council Housing Allocations Scheme 1. Introduction 1.1 The Council is required,
More informationUpdated July Housing Allocation Scheme
Updated July 2011 Housing Allocation Scheme H2 If you would like this information in large print, Braille or another language, please contact 01702 318111. Contents Page 1 Introduction... 4 1.1 Background...
More informationPolicy for Managing Shared Ownership
Policy for Managing Shared Ownership October 2017 October 2020 www.horizonhousing.org This policy applies to Link Group Link Housing Link Living Link Property Horizon Larkfield West Highland Lintel Trust
More informationDISABLED FACILITIES GRANTS APPENDIX B
DISABLED FACILITIES GRANTS APPENDIX B CONTENTS Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)...1 General Comments...1 Role of the Social Services Authority...1 Collaboration and Consultation...2 Role of the Housing
More informationTenancy Policy. Document control
Tenancy Policy Document control 2018 2021 Policy approval April 2018 EDT Updating Tenancy Policy 2017-2018 Next review date April 2021 Author Neighbourhoods & Income Business Manager Responsible Executive/
More information1.3 The grant of a new tenancy normally follows the allocation of a home by SCH through the Solihull Home Options ( SHO ) scheme.
Tenancy Policy 1.0 Purpose of the tenancy policy 1.1 This Policy sets out the types of tenancies, which will be granted to new tenants of Council owned homes from 7 th April 2014. It does not affect those
More informationTenancy Transfer, Succession and Mutual Exchanges Policy
Tenancy Transfer, Succession and Mutual Exchanges Policy Originator: Executive Management Team Approval Date: Policy and Strategy Team May 2018 Review date: May 2019 1 Introduction 1.1 1.2 One Vision Housing
More informationMutual Exchanges Policy
Mutual Exchanges Policy December 2017 Website 1 1.0 Introduction 1.1 CHS Group is committed to offering mobility opportunities to its tenants who wish to move. Mutual exchanges provide them with an opportunity
More informationPolicy Briefing Banish the Bedroom Tax Monster Campaign- Action Plan for Scotland
Policy Briefing Banish the Bedroom Tax Monster Campaign- Action Plan for Scotland From the Shelter Scotland policy library August 2013. All rights reserved. This document is only for your personal, non-commercial
More informationSuccession and Discretionary Tenancy Policy
Date approved: 22 November 2016 Approved by: Parent Board 1. Introduction and Aims 1.1 This Policy outlines Southway Housing Trust s (the Trust s) approach to succession. 1.2 It relates to the following
More informationQUEENSTOWN-LAKES DISTRICT HOUSING ACCORD
QUEENSTOWN-LAKES DISTRICT HOUSING ACCORD Queenstown-Lakes Housing Accord 1. The Queenstown-Lakes Housing Accord (the Accord) between Queenstown-Lakes District Council (the Council) and the Government is
More informationSupporting documents; Devon Home Choice policy and procedures, Rentplus lettings process and criteria
Section; Housing Policy name; Lettings Policy Executive responsible; Housing Manager Review by; Housing Manager Tenant review: Yes Type of review; Exception Authority to amend; Board Frequency of review;
More informationEastendHomes ASSIGNMENT, SUCCESSION AND MUTUAL EXCHANGE POLICY
EastendHomes ASSIGNMENT, SUCCESSION AND MUTUAL EXCHANGE POLICY 1. STATEMENT OF INTENT 1.1. Subject to any prohibitions contained within the terms of the tenancy agreement EastendHomes assured tenants have
More informationSupporting documents; DHC publications & HomeSwapper publications. Health & safety; Breach of this policy unlikely to have direct impact on H&S
Section; Housing Policy name; Lettings Policy Executive responsible; Housing Manager Review by; Housing Manager Tenant review: Not yet Type of review; Exception Authority to amend; Board Frequency of review;
More informationARDENGLEN HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED DECORATION POLICY
ARDENGLEN HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED ---0--- DECORATION POLICY Date Presented to: Housing Services Sub Committee 13/12/11 Date of next Scheduled Review 13/12/14 Date passed by: Housing Services Sub Committee
More informationRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Grenfell Rehousing Policy. Revision November 2017
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Grenfell Rehousing Policy Revision November 2017 1. Introduction This exceptional rehousing policy has been adopted pursuant to paragraph 1.11 of the Council s Housing
More informationRelevant business manager.
Succession Policy Summary: This policy sets how we deal claims for succession following the death of a tenant. Tenants have a range of statutory and contractual succession rights which vary according to
More informationTenancy Strategy
Tenancy Strategy 2018 2021 Glossary Affordability Housing and Planning Act 2016 Housing Strategy Housing Needs Assessment Local Housing Allowance Localism Act 2011 Social Rents St Leger Homes of Doncaster
More informationHousing Allocation Scheme October 2011 Summary
Housing Allocation Scheme October 2011 Summary Contents 1. Choice Based Lettings 3 2. Bidding Process 4 3. Time Limited Bidding 4 4. Arrears 5 5. Distribution of Properties between Priority Groups 5 6.
More informationHousing Programme (Level 3) CIH L3 Housing Certificate NVQ L3 in Housing Functional Skills (L2 English and Maths) Information.
Information Housing Programme (Level 3) CIH L3 Housing Certificate NVQ L3 in Housing Functional Skills (L2 English and Maths) An Introduction Contents Housing Programme: Level 3... 4 Introduction... 4
More informationMember consultation: Rent freedom
November 2016 Member consultation: Rent freedom The future of housing association rents Summary of key points: Housing associations are ambitious socially driven organisations currently exploring new ways
More informationLondon Borough of Bromley. Housing Allocation Scheme Summary
London Borough of Bromley Housing Allocation Scheme 202 Summary This leaflet is a summary of Bromley Council s Housing Allocation Scheme. If you want further information or wish to see the Scheme in full
More informationLeasehold Management Policy
Author(s): Simon McCracken and Liz Evans Leasehold Management Policy Approved by: The Board Date: 3 rd December 2015 Date Published: 1 st January 2016 Version: Live 3.0 Review Date: December 2019 Contents
More informationSAXON WEALD. 2.1 Termination ending a tenancy in accordance with legal requirements.
SAXON WEALD PROPERTY OCCUPATION POLICY First Approved: June 2005 Author: Les Marjoram Last Revision: March 2018 Next Review: March 2021 1.0 Introduction and aim 1.1 The aim of this policy is to help Saxon
More informationALLOCATIONS & TENANCY POLICY
HS 035 HAVEBURY HOUSING PARTNERSHIP POLICY ALLOCATIONS & TENANCY POLICY Controlling Authority Director of Operations Policy Number HS035 Status Approved Date July 2016 Review Date July 2019 Amended April
More informationLeasehold Management
Leasehold Management Reference Purpose Owner Related documents Approved by HM23 This policy sets out Colne s approach to leasehold management. Operations Director Income Management policy Service Charge
More informationWythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) Allocations Policy
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) Allocations Policy Policy Name: Allocations policy Status: Draft Approved by: WCHG Board Drafted by: Carolyn Hadfield Date approved: 21 st September 2016 Date
More information1.4 The policy applies to all landlord organisations in the Group.
POLICY Voluntary Right to Buy Date Adopted July 2018 Date of Next Review March 2020 or sooner if required Version 1.0 Responsible Body Homes Board Responsible Officer Company Secretary &Head of Legal Services
More informationTemporary Decant Policy
Paragon Asra Housing Limited Temporary Decant Policy February 2018 Owning manager Anna Henderson, Lettings Manager Department Housing Services Approved by EMT 21 February 2018 Next review date March 2021
More informationBusiness and Property Committee
Business and Property Committee Item No Report title: Direct Property Development Company Date of meeting: 20 June 2017 Responsible Chief Executive Director of Finance and Officer: Commercial Services
More informationVoluntary Right to Buy and Portability Policy
Voluntary Right to Buy and Portability Policy 1. Policy statement Policy for customers who wish to purchase the home they rent from Bromford under the Voluntary Right to Buy scheme 2. Contents: Introduction
More informationOverview Home Ownership Policy
Overview Home Ownership Policy Version 1 Approved by: Executive Team Approved date: 16 April 2018 Effective from: 1 May 2018 1.0 Introduction 1.1 The objective of this Policy is to set the general parameters
More informationA landlord s perspective
A landlord s perspective Simone Russell Director of Operations Welwyn Hatfield Community Housing Trust 1 October 2013 Welfare reform is confusing! (and scary...) How are landlords and tenants dealing with
More informationBUSINESS PLAN Part 1
BUSINESS PLAN 2016-17 Part 1 Contents Executive Summary... 1 Objectives... 2 Company Formation... 3 Governance and Management Structure... 4 Decision Making... 6 Operational Management... 7 Market Overview...
More informationLETTINGS POLICY. Plus Dane Housing Page 1 of 10
Table of Contents 1. Our Approach... 2 1.1 Choice Based Lettings... 2 1.2 Alternative Marketing Routes... 3 1.3 Management Moves... 3 1.4 Sensitive Lets... 4 1.5 Local Letting Schemes... 4 1.6 Medical
More informationYour housing options.
Your housing options www.circle.org.uk/circle33 Contents Under Occupation Scheme 3 Applying for a Transfer 4 Mutual Exchange 6 Fly the Nest 8 Local Authority 10 Enhanced Mobility Options 12 Home Ownership
More informationGilbeys Yard and Juniper Crescent Residents Charter
Gilbeys Yard and Juniper Crescent Residents Charter 1 Foreword In 2017 we started consulting you about the various options for the future of Gilbeys Yard and Juniper Crescent. As part of the process we
More informationTenure and Tenancy management. Issue 07 Board approved: February Responsibility: Operations/C&SH Review Date: February 2019
Operational Manual Tenure and Tenancy management Corporate Policy Issue 07 Board approved: February 2017 Responsibility: Operations/C&SH Review Date: February 2019 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Hightown provides
More informationCommunity Occupancy Guidelines
Community Occupancy Guidelines Auckland Council July 2012 Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Contents Introduction 4 Scope 5 In scope 5 Out of scope 5 Criteria 6 Eligibility
More informationAllocations Policy. Purpose and scope
Allocations Policy Purpose and scope The purpose of this policy is to set out how we allocate our social and affordable rented homes. We offer homes to people who fall within our charitable aims and whose
More informationCabinet Meeting 4 December 2013
Cabinet Meeting 4 December 2013 Agenda Item No: 8 Report title Decision designation Cabinet member with lead responsibility Key decision In forward plan Wards affected Accountable director Originating
More informationPOLICY: SUCCESSION. 1.0 Introduction. 2.0 Policy Statement. 3.0 Objectives. 4.0 Background Legislation
POLICY: SUCCESSION 1.0 Introduction 1.1 This policy sets out Thames Valley Housing s (TVH s) position regarding the rights of a relative to take over a tenancy on the death of a tenant. Succession is the
More informationPOLICY: FIXED-TERM TENANCIES. 1.0 Introduction. 2.0 Aims and Objectives. 3.0 Policy Statement. 4.0 Background Legislation & Legal Framework
POLICY: FIXED-TERM TENANCIES 1.0 Introduction 1.1 The Localism Act 2011 introduced new flexibilities for registered providers (RPs) to offer social housing tenancies for a fixed-term. The new flexibilities
More informationThis policy replaces the Tenancy Policy of all Circle registered providers and Affinity Sutton Homes.
Tenancy Policy This policy replaces the Tenancy Policy of all Circle registered providers and Affinity Sutton Homes. 1. Purpose and Scope This policy sets out for customers, staff and local authorities
More informationStatement of Proposal
Christchurch City Council Statement of Proposal that the Council Restructures its Social Housing Portfolio Contents 1 Statement of Proposal 7 Attachment A: Description of Options for Social Housing Portfolio
More information3.1 A Notice to Quit (NTQ) is a legal instrument to end a tenancy that can be provided by a tenant or a landlord to terminate the tenancy.
Tenancy Policy 1. Scope 1.1 This policy outlines our approach to issuing, reviewing and terminating tenancies and licences for all rented properties across the Peabody Group. This does not include agency
More informationAssignment, Mutual Exchange and Succession Policy
Assignment, Mutual Exchange and Succession Policy Date submitted to the Board: February 2013 Policy to take effect from: February 2013 To be reviewed: February 2016 Version No. 4.1 Introduction This policy
More informationAssets, Regeneration & Growth Committee 17 March Development of new affordable homes by Barnet Homes Registered Provider ( Opendoor Homes )
Assets, Regeneration & Growth Committee 17 March 2016 Title Report of Wards Status Urgent Key Enclosures Officer Contact Details Development of new affordable homes by Barnet Homes Registered Provider
More informationPOLICY BRIEFING.
High Income Social Tenants - Pay to Stay Author: Sheila Camp, LGiU Associate Date: 2 August 2012 Summary This briefing covers two housing consultations; the most recent, the Pay to Stay consultation concerns
More informationNSW Affordable Housing Guidelines. August 2012
August 2012 NSW AFFORDABLE HOUSING GUIDELINES TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 1 2.0 DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS... 1 3.0 APPLICATION OF GUIDELINES... 2 4.0 PRINCIPLES... 2 4.1 Relationships and partnerships...
More informationAllocation Policy for New Build Housing
Allocation Policy for New Build Housing 1. Recommendations a) Apply the Council s priority criteria for the allocation of new build housing. b) Use the greater flexibility offered within the JMB s Better
More informationHOUSING ALLOCATION SCHEME
HOUSING ALLOCATION SCHEME Adopted by Waterford City & County Council at the April Plenary meeting on 13 th April 2017 1 Waterford City & County Council s Housing Allocation Scheme in accordance with Section
More informationHOUSING REGENERATION LAND ACQUISITION STRATEGY. Strategy for the acquisition of land for estates undergoing redevelopment
HOUSING REGENERATION LAND ACQUISITION STRATEGY Strategy for the acquisition of land for estates undergoing redevelopment Prepared for London Borough of Lambeth by Ardent with contributions from BDB and
More information