Allocations policy Social rented homes

Allocations policy Social rented homes Version 5 September 2012 Registered address: Triathlon Homes LLP, Fleet House, 59-61 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5LA

Responsible officer: Author: Approved by: Head of Operations (Triathlon Homes) (Responsibility for proposing final draft, implementation and review) Policy and project officer Triathlon Board Date approved: 5 th November 2012 Date of Equality Impact Assessment (EIA): September 2015 EIA review date: September 2017 Effective date: 1 st February 2013 Policy review date: 1 st September 2015 and September 2017 Policy Review Statement This policy will be reviewed at the date mentioned above or following legislative, organisational, or changes to good practice if sooner. Registered address: Triathlon Homes LLP, Fleet House, 59-61 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5LA

Contents Contents... 3 1. Introduction... 4 2. Policy Statement... 4 3. Context... 6 4. Method Statement... 6 5. Monitoring and Evaluation... 17 6. Equality Needs Impact Assessment... 17 7. Glossary... 17 8. Accessibility of information... 17 Page 3

1. Introduction 1.1 The information set out in this document states our aims and objectives and explains how we select tenants and allocate homes. This policy covers all allocations to Social Rented homes owned by Triathlon Homes including local authority nominations via a London sub regional nominations protocol, nominations from the Greater London Authority (GLA), nominations from members of the East London Housing Partnership (ELHP), nominations from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO), transfers and referrals, and Home Seekers who apply directly. The policy does not cover mutual exchanges and nor the allocation of intermediate or market rented homes and does not cover the sale of homes. 1.2 Triathlon Homes LLP ( Triathlon Homes ) is the owner of 1,379 homes within the East Village and is landlord to the occupiers of these properties. Triathlon Homes is not a Registered Provider regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency (the government s regulator of social housing). Triathlon Homes is required to appoint a Managing Agent that is regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency to manage the properties on its behalf. The Managing Agent is also a member of the Housing Ombudsman Service. All of Triathlon Homes policies are its own, but are implemented by the Managing Agent on its behalf. Triathlon Homes policies are required to comply with the regulatory standards of the Homes and Communities Agency. 2. Policy Statement 2.1 This policy sets out Triathlon Homes approach to letting its social rented homes at East Village, London E20 (formerly known as the Athletes Village). 2.2 From the summer of 2013 East Village, London E20 will be transformed from accommodation for the 2012 Olympians into a new neighbourhood consisting of 2,818 new homes of which 1,379 will be affordable homes owned by Triathlon Homes. Of the 1,379 homes, 675 will social rented. 2.3 The aims of this policy are to ensure that: Triathlon Homes agreed Lettings Strategy for social rented homes for East Village is delivered. We create sustainable communities. We provide a service that is accessible to all eligible Home Seekers. We are fair and transparent and set out the circumstances to a Home Seeker the reasons for our decisions and how to appeal. Lettings and allocations are undertaken as quickly and as efficiently as possible in the interests of both the residents and to ensure the effective use of homes. Page 4

Lettings and allocations are fair and that they comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements that apply to Triathlon Homes as a non registered provider. We set out the type of tenancies that we will grant when allocating accommodation either Assured Periodic or Assured Short hold (fixed term). Home Seekers are given information on accessing alternative tenure options where available and other housing mobility options such as mutual exchange between landlords or to other areas in the region and beyond. Clear monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to maintain the transparency of the allocation process, and that the selection and allocation procedures are effectively controlled and accurately recorded. We carry out an Equality Impact Assessment. Regular performance monitoring is in place and performance information is published and available to residents, to local authority partners and the Triathlon Homes Board. The policy is regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure best practice. Data collection, storage, access to and provision and disclosure of data are done so in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. 2.4 Triathlon Homes will work closely with local housing partners and the Greater London Authority in order to deliver the Triathlon Homes Lettings Strategy as agreed by London Borough of Newham on 22nd October 2011 and endorsed by the London Housing Board on 27th October 2011. 2.5 Triathlon Homes will participate in the East London Lettings Company (the regional choice based lettings scheme) and Housing Moves (the Mayor of London s pan London housing mobility scheme). Triathlon Homes will allocate homes to its quota of nominations via the Triathlon Moves website. 2.6 In the event that there is no sub regional protocol Triathlon Homes will refer to the Nominations Agreement between both the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Council and seek nominations from another access queue. 2.7 Nominees will be selected in accordance with the Local Authority Allocations scheme or in the case of the Triathlon Homes nominations in accordance with this policy. Generally nominees are on the Local Authority s housing register and assessed as having a housing need in line with their policy and the reasonable preferences categories as set out in Part 6 Housing Act 1996 as amended. 2.8 All properties are tagged to ensure that nomination rights remain in place for second and subsequent lettings. 2.9 Homes let or sold on intermediate tenures Page 5

Homes sold by Triathlon Homes as shared ownership or with retained equity or let on an intermediate market rent are the subject of the Shared Ownership, Shared Equity and Intermediate Market Rent Allocations Policy. 3. Context Legislation, Regulation & Guidance 3.1 Government legislation has an impact on how Triathlon Homes can implement its Allocations policy. Listed below are the key Acts to be acknowledged: The Housing Act 2004, The Homelessness Act 2002 Section 160A(3) of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002, Housing Act 1996 (Housing Act 1985. Part X), The Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, Data Protection Act 1998, Serious and Organised Crime and Policing Act 2005 (Witness Protection), Equality Act 2010, The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) Regulations 2006, Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Miscellaneous Provisions)(England) Regulations SI No 2527,The Localism Act 2011 Part 7. Regulatory code 3.2 Triathlon Homes will comply with the following: The regulatory framework set out by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).Good practice/ framework: Home and Communities Agency Capital Funding Guide 2011; Housing Health and Safety Ratings System 2005; Communities and Local Government Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Accommodation; Commission for Racial Equality, Statutory Housing; the Regulatory Framework for Social Housing in England from April 2012; and revised codes relating to Social Rented Homes. Links to other Triathlon Policies 3.3 Complaints Policy Shared Ownership, Shared Equity, and Intermediate Market Rent Allocations Policy Starter (Probationary) Tenancy Policy Tenure Policy Social Rented Homes 4. Method Statement Household Income cap 4.1 All applicants for a home managed by Triathlon Homes whether at first letting or subsequent letting will be subject to a Household Income Cap. The cap will be set in line with the upper gross household income for applicants applying for one or two bedroom homes on an intermediate tenure (shared ownership or intermediate market rent) as set by the Mayor of London. The cap will only apply to the tenant or joint tenants. 4.2 The limit will be reviewed on an annual basis and applied to new nominations. Page 6

Allocation Priorities (non GLA / Local Authority nominations) 4.3 Under the nomination arrangements Triathlon Homes has access to 152 social rented homes (thirty one bedroom and one hundred and twenty two bedrooms). Triathlon Homes will normally give priority to the following client groups providing they qualify and meet the selection criteria set out below. 4.4 The four priority client groups are: A. Service Personnel B. Under Occupiers living in one of the east London boroughs C. Hidden Households / Next Generation Households where re housing alleviates overcrowding in families living in existing social housing in one of the east London boroughs. D. High priority transfer cases or regeneration decants from households residing in stock owned or managed by one of the Triathlon Partners (East Thames Group, Southern Housing Group and First Base). 4.5 The following paragraphs outline the selection criteria for applicants in each category to meet the allocations priorities listed above and also to keep these allocations in line with grant conditions, which is to meet housing needs; and also to meet the objectives of Triathlon Homes Lettings Strategy. A Service Personnel 4.6 Applicants will be referred to Triathlon Homes from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) and other specialist housing organisations providing services to ex service personnel with whom Triathlon Homes may from time to time agree eligibility and referral arrangements to provide housing and move on accommodation for this client group. 4.7. Eligibility criteria: Open to both serving and ex serving personnel up to five years after discharge and their widows/widowers or surviving partners up to five years after the death in service; Applicants must have a housing need such as losing military accommodation providing the accommodation has not been lost due to a breach of tenancy or licence obligations e.g. rent arrears, anti social behaviour; In employment 1 or work ready 2 or in a category exempt from employment e.g. retired or disabled; Applicants with a local connection to Newham or the East London Sub Region will have a higher priority than those that do not; The local connection may be place of work, place of birth, family connection, or place of residence prior to service term. Have an appropriate support / care package if needed; and 1 Employment is defined as paid employment of 16 hours or more a week for 13 weeks continuously 2 Work ready is defined as in the position of being capable of securing and sustaining employment in a role suitable to their skills and experience. Page 7

Household gross income normally no greater than the Triathlon Homes Gross Annual income Cap (see 5.1). The cap will only apply to the tenant or joint tenants. 4.8 In the event that more than one Home Seeker has the same priority for rehousing, the earlier date of registration will have priority over other applications. B Under Occupiers 4.9 Open to existing social tenants (both housing association and council tenants) living in Newham and east London boroughs. The move must free up a larger home for use by the referring landlord. 4.10 Eligibility criteria: Moving from family sized accommodation of 2 bedrooms and above In employment or work ready or in a category exempt from employment, e.g. retired or disabled. Have an appropriate support / care package if needed; and Household gross income normally no greater than the Triathlon Homes Gross Annual income Cap as set out in 4.1 above. The cap will only apply to the tenant or joint tenants. 4.11 In the event that more than one Home Seeker has the same priority for rehousing, the earlier date of registration will have priority over other applications. C Hidden Households / Next Generation Households 4.12 Open to household members of existing social tenants (both housing association and council tenants) living in Newham and east London boroughs. The move must demonstrate that overcrowding in the home of applicant is relieved by the applicant being housed separately from the existing household. For example by re housing a couple with a child from living in one room or a shared room in the parental home will relieve overcrowding. 4.13 Eligibility criteria: Move must relieve overcrowding i.e. reduce the number of addition bedrooms the tenant requires to relieve their over crowding; First applicant must have been living continuously at the home for the last 5 years; Second applicant must have been living continuously at the home for the last year prior to the application. The applicant is in employment or work ready or in a category exempt from employment e.g. retired or disabled; Must be registered on local authority waiting list; and Household gross income normally no greater than the Triathlon Homes Gross Annual income Cap as set out in 4.1 above. The cap will only apply to the tenant or joint tenants. Page 8

4.14 In the event that more than one Home Seeker has the same priority for rehousing, the earlier date of registration will have priority over other applications. D Triathlon Homes Partner s nominations 4.15 The three partners of the Triathlon Homes consortium (East Thames Group, First Base, Southern Housing Group) may nominate applicants to East Village in line with housing need priorities set by their Allocation Policy. For example the nominations might be used for permanent decanting from regeneration schemes or to applicants with a high priority to move. 4.16 Eligibility criteria: In housing need as defined by the Allocation Scheme of the partner organisation e.g. requires a permanent move due to decanting or other priority; and In employment or work ready or in a category exempt from employment e.g. retired or disabled. No local connection necessary; and Household gross income normally no greater than the Triathlon Homes Gross Annual income Cap as set out in 4.1 above. The cap will only apply to the tenant or joint tenants. 4.17 In the event that more than one Home Seeker has the same priority for rehousing, the earlier date of registration will have priority over other applications. 4.18 The quota of homes available to each of these priority client groups at first letting will initially be evenly split between the groups, but this will be varied depending on the demand. Subsequent re letting of homes will be based upon ongoing demand from these priority client groups and this may be varied as part of the review of the Annual Lettings Plan. Lettings Plan 4.19 We will operate an annual Lettings Plan, which will be overseen by the Head of Operations (Triathlon Homes). Our Lettings Plan for each year will estimate how many homes will be available for direct nominations to meet our partnering nominations commitments and how many will be available to Triathlon Home s priority client groups. There will be no specific allocation for internal transfers unless they meet the criteria for housing as set out in 4.2 above as all properties are tagged in perpetuity to a nominating authority. 4.20 The Plan will also state how we intend to contribute to the development of a balanced, cohesive and sustainable community. The annual lettings plan will be drawn up in consultation with residents and other stakeholders and will address local issues whilst enhancing community cohesion and sustainability. The plan will address specific housing and community needs and will be supported by an Equality Impact Page 9

Assessment. The Letting Plan will be monitored on an annual basis and fully reviewed every three years. 4.21 We may consider: The balance between one parent and two parent households; The proportion of formerly homeless households; Existing numbers of children; Properties adapted for disabled people; The balance between residents in work or able to meet their rental liability other than by way of state benefits and other residents; Specific housing management reasons, for example, having a lower age designation for specific blocks/groups/floors of apartments to support strategies to reduce anti social behaviour or promoting under occupation to support strategies to manage density. Lettings Standards 4.22 Triathlon Homes aims to provide a fair and equitable lettings service. To ensure this Triathlon Homes will take the following steps: All residents who apply for housing at East Village will be interviewed at the pre allocation stage by a member of staff to obtain comprehensive, reliable and comparable information. Standard forms will be used at all stages of the lettings process so that all residents are assessed on the same basis. The lettings process will involve more than one member of staff and will be made in line with this policy and with reference to the following written criteria: a. Triathlon Homes overall priorities for letting outlined within the Lettings Strategy. b. Local nomination Agreements and protocols and Service Level agreements with partners c. Triathlon Homes bedroom / household size standards. Accommodation size / Bedroom standard 4.23 We will normally use the following guidelines known as the Bedroom Standard to determine the number of bedrooms (as opposed to bed spaces) that will be allocated to Home Seekers using the Scheme. However Triathlon Homes reserves the right to use its discretion to allocate a larger home under limited circumstances e.g. when a household is downsizing, where a child(ren) is approaching age 10 and a different sex from a sibling that they might otherwise be required to share a room with under the standard below. Where discretion is applied it is subject to the tenant having the means to cover the cost of the larger home. 4.24 The Bedroom Standard is: Single adults will be offered one bedroom unit. Two adults not living as a couple will be offered a two bedroom unit. Page 10

Two adults living as a couple (whether as part of a larger household or not) will be offered one double bedroom unless there is medical evidence to support the need for separate bedrooms. A single parent or couple with children will be offered one double bedroom plus bedrooms for the children (as set out below).* Children of the same sex will normally be expected to share except where there is medical evidence to support the need for a separate bedroom. o two boys under 21 can share a bedroom o two girls under 21 can share a bedroom Children of different sexes will be expected to share a bedroom unless the eldest is older than 10 or there is medical evidence to support the need for a separate bedroom. o An adult carer, living full time and permanently in the household, caring for a member of the household, will be expected to have their own single bedroom. Any single adult age 21 and over should have their own bedroom. o Any young single adult under 21, who is a member of the household but not part of the same family, should have their own bedroom. *Babies will be considered from birth but where a home is pre allocated weeks or months before occupation, an unborn child will be considered as part of the application provided the applicant is 12 weeks or more into the pregnancy at the time of the pre allocation. 4.25 It is for the Home Seeker to decide how to allocate the rooms within their property to family / household members. Household members 4.26 Generally household members will need to provide proof that they have been a member of the household for 12 months before we agree to re house them with the transferring tenant (this will not apply to infants under one). Provision for Carers 4.27 Triathlon Homes will offer an additional single bedroom where the person looking after the Home Seeker is a carer. Triathlon Homes defines a carer who normally fulfils the following criteria: They are the principal carer and need to be a permanent resident; and They are in receipt of Carer s Allowance for the resident they are looking after; and The resident they care for is in receipt of higher rate Disability Living Allowance or the higher rate of Attendance Allowance. Relationship Breakdown 4.28 Triathlon Homes recognises that some of our sole tenants are married to or co habiting with individuals who are not tenants. In the event that these relationships breakdown Triathlon Homes will not normally consider applications for separate re housing from a non tenant ex spouse or former partner. In the event that a relationship breaks down between joint tenants, or an order is made by the court pursuant to the Children Act 2004 or Matrimonial Causes Act 1981, Triathlon Page 11

Homes will have regard to any relevant binding court decisions which affect the tenancy agreement. Offers 4.29 All Home Seekers will normally be made one offer of accommodation which is consistent with Triathlon Homes bedroom standards and any known special requirements for example level access. Sometimes we may need to withdraw a property that has been advertised/ offered without notice. We may also need to delay or stop an offer of accommodation being made because it has come to light that there has been a breach of tenancy, fraud or the property size is incorrect. Viewings 4.30 To make sure our empty homes are let quickly we may arrange multiple viewings for between two and five Home Seekers with the highest bids for the property as determined by the nominating authority s allocation scheme. If the highest bidder refuses the offer, the property will be offered to the next Home Seeker in line, and so on until a Home Seeker accepts the property on offer. Home Seekers may be asked to view properties up to 6 weeks in advance of the property becoming available for letting. Moving into a Home (Tenancy Sign Up) 4.31 For social rent tenants tenancy start dates commence on the Monday following the offer and acceptance of the property. 4.32 Home Seekers must bring with them all the documents requested to the viewings in order to successfully sign the tenancy agreement and arrange moving in. At the Sign Up appointment, if all the relevant details are not provided, we reserve the right to reject the application and offer the property to the next qualifying Home Seeker. 4.33 At Sign Up we will explain how to pay rent and explain your rights and responsibilities under the tenancy agreement. Type of Tenancy 4.34 Although Triathlon Homes is not a registered provider, it will follow regulatory guidance issued by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) in relation to the type of tenancy it offers Home Seekers. It is intended that Triathlon Homes will grant all new residents of Social Rented homes a Probationary Tenancy, also known as Starter Tenancy, which will convert to an Assured Periodic Tenancy after 12 months on the completion of a satisfactory probationary period. 4.35 Triathlon Homes will not apply the probationary period to tenancies offered to prospective residents who were Social Tenants on or before 1 April 2012 and remained Social Tenants until moving to a Triathlon home and who have already successfully completed a probationary period. Page 12

4.36 A separate Starter/Probationary Tenancy Policy governs the circumstances and procedures to extend or to terminate a Starter Tenancy as well as the process to convert an assured tenancy. 4.37 Triathlon Homes will offer an Assured Periodic Agreement to eligible Home Seekers who held a social tenancy immediately prior to the moving to East Village providing they have held the tenancy continuously since 1st April 2012 and are not subject to a probationary tenancy. All other new tenants will normally be offered an Assured Shorthold Tenancy initially for a 12 month period as a Probationary Tenancy known as a Starter Tenancy and if the probationary period is completed successfully the tenancy will be awarded for a further period of 5 years as a fixed term. Under exceptional circumstances, such as vulnerability, Triathlon Homes at its discretion may grant an Assured Periodic Tenancy. The operation of Assured Periodic and Assured Shorthold Tenancies are available in the Triathlon Homes Tenure Policy for Social Rented Homes. 4.38 Further information on matters relating to tenure can be found in the Triathlons Homes Tenure Policy for Social Rented Homes. Housing Minors 4.39 Triathlon Homes will not usually grant tenancies to people under the age of 18 years as persons of this age cannot be legally responsible for a tenancy under the Law of Property Act 1925, which prevents minors holding any legal interest in land. However, minors can hold an equitable interest, such as an equitable tenancy. We may grant an equitable tenancy, which will be an assured shorthold tenancy, to someone who is under 18 years old nominated by a local authority or partner agency for housing, where additional support is being given and the nominating agency or authority act as a guarantor to protect the interests of the minor. Joint tenancies 4.40 Unless otherwise advised by the nominating local authority, Triathlon Homes will offer joint tenancies to all couples. Couples who are married or civil partners will be offered a joint tenancy regardless of how long they have lived together. 4.41 Cohabiting heterosexual and same sex couples will be offered a joint tenancy if they can demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 12 months. Sole tenancies 4.42 Sole tenancies will usually be granted in all other circumstances to those mentioned above. Scheme eligibility 4.43 All Home Seekers are subject to the same rules on qualification and exclusion and our own internal identify verification checks. This includes local authority nominees, nominees from the Greater London Authority, other Triathlon partners and Triathlon Homes nominations. Page 13

Asylum seekers and other people from abroad 4.44 Asylum seekers and other people from abroad are eligible to apply for permanent housing from Triathlon Homes provided that they can demonstrate that they can pay the rent and have enough income, either earned as wages or with the help of benefits to cover their housing costs. 4.45 The scheme is not open to those in the UK illegally. Exclusions 4.46 The following exclusions will apply to all applicants: We will not house people who own their own homes or own property as an investment. Home Seekers who have insufficient means to cover rent and service charges will not be housed. We will not house perpetrators of harassment and antisocial behaviour (ASB) Ineligibility will be based on evidence of the antisocial behaviour, such evidence may include eviction of an applicant or member of their household for ASB or previous injunction taken out against the applicant or a member of their household or an ASBO against the applicant or a member of their household or the applicant currently holds a demoted tenancy because of ASB. Previous tenancy enforcement action for ASB will not be taken into account if it occurred two or more years prior to the date of application and the tenant s household has conducted a tenancy satisfactorily in the intervening period. We will not normally house applicants previously evicted from a social housing tenancy. We will not house applicants who have been assessed as vulnerable without an appropriate support package. Where our assessments indicate vulnerability for whatever reason, we will work with the local authority and other agencies to arrange appropriate support so that it is available at the star of the new tenancy. A Home Seeker may be excluded if they are unable to meet the conditions of the tenancy without additional support and despite every effort we are unable to ensure appropriate support is available. We will not normally house Home seekers with arrears where these are of their own making and not due to the late payment of Housing Benefit. The Village Head of Operations may exercise discretion on an individual case basis. We will not normally house Home Seekers with any outstanding Notices served against their tenancy. We will not house Home Seekers with an income above Triathlon Homes stated gross household limit as set out in 5.1. We will not house Home Seekers who do not sign up to East Village good neighbour agreement. Sensitive Lettings 4.47 While all allocations need to be managed sensitively, some allocations may be extremely sensitive due to the behaviour of previous residents or the specific circumstances of immediate neighbours. From time to time Triathlon Homes will need to make particularly sensitive lettings in order to ensure that future tenancies are sustainable and the immediate environment has an opportunity to recover from previous difficulties. When a property is identified as in need of a sensitive let then the reasons for this will be clearly stated in the nomination request process. Triathlon Page 14

Homes will refuse nominations that do not meet its criteria and will work with local authority partners to ensure the reasons for sensitivity are known and accepted. Credit Checking 4.48 Triathlon Homes will undertake credit checks on all newly nominated Home Seekers. The information from the check will be used to check eligibility for housing and identify appropriate support and advice which can be offered to the Home Seeker to minimise the risk of them falling into arrears. Home Seekers will be informed of the check and shown a copy free of charge. Data protection 4.49 We will collect photographs of all Home Seekers when pre allocated a home or when they enter into a new tenancy agreement. This is part of confirming the identity of the lead/joint tenants and also part of a range of information that will be used to help ensure that properties are not unlawfully sublet or used with any other fraud. All household details of the nominee will be checked in line with our usual procedures. 4.50 Triathlon Homes and its housing management provider East Homes will abide by the Data Protection Act 1988 in storing photographs and other personal information. Rejections 4.51 An application may be rejected at any stage in the lettings process for the following reasons: The resident has failed to provide the proofs we need to meet our eligibility criteria within the stated time limit or when requested. The resident wants a home in an area or with features that Triathlon Homes does not have. The application was not returned by the set date. The numbers of household members would overcrowd the property as set out in the Housing Act 1985. 4.52 A Home Seeker has the right to appeal Triathlon Homes decision to reject their application as set out in the appeals process outlined below. Appeals process 4.53 If a Home Seeker disagrees with our decision on qualification for rehousing, priority awarded or reasonableness of an offer, they can make an appeal. The applicant should first contact the New Homes Officer or officer making the offer to discuss the reasons for our decision. The Officer will have 5 workings days to respond. If the Home Seeker is still unhappy with the decision they can appeal in writing to the Village Head of Operations within 10 working days of the decision. A written response will be given within 10 working days of receipt of the written appeal. If the applicant remains unhappy with the decision they have 5 working days to request that the appeal is referred to the Appeal Panel. The Appeal Panel will have 21 days to consider and respond. Page 15

4.54 Triathlon Homes will continue to re let the property while appeals are heard. Complaints 4.55 Any complaints that a housing applicant or a Home Seeker looking for an internal or external move has about the service that they have received from Triathlon Homes will be dealt with through our internal Complaints Policy. Complaints about the implementation of policy and any resulting decisions and the allocation of accommodation will be handled through the appeals process. Internal Applications for Housing (Transfers) 4.56 Triathlon Homes does not own any other housing other than those homes situated at East Village. The London Borough of Newham and the GLA hold nomination rights in perpetuity to the larger 3 and 4 bedroom family sized homes at East Village. Therefore, tenants wishing to move to larger family sized accommodation will need to register with either the GLA Housing Moves scheme or register upon the London Borough of Newham s Housing Register for alternative accommodation. Triathlon Homes will have a small number of one and two bedroom properties that become available for letting each year and these will be allocated in accordance with the annual lettings plan. These homes will be let in accordance with the allocation criteria set out in 5.2. Other Opportunities for alternative Housing 4.57 We are committed to identifying and promoting housing options for our tenants. 4.58 These schemes include: Mutual exchanges; Intermediate market rental; Retirement options; Affordable Home Ownership; Right to Acquire; Private rental; Seaside and Country Homes Scheme Buying a home on the open market; Specialist and supported housing; Signposting to specialist providers; and Housing mobility options such as Housing Moves or national mobility schemes. 4.59 We will also work with other landlords, including specialist registered providers of social housing, Local Authorities and private landlords to identify options and opportunities for housing for our tenants or applicants for housing. Page 16

5. Monitoring and Evaluation This policy will be monitored by the Head of Operations who will review this policy periodically as set out above capturing best practice, customer feedback and legislative changes to inform this review. 5.1 Measures of success In addition to customer feedback this policy will be measured through: Reviewing the nature and types of appeals against lettings decisions. Monitoring refusal reasons. Monitoring the time it takes to let an empty home. Monitoring rent loss due to vacant homes Monitoring tenancy turnover rates. 6. Equality Needs Impact Assessment An equality impact assessment of this policy will be undertaken by September 2015. 7. Glossary RP Registered Provider 8. Accessibility of information This information will need to be made available to all potential customers. It will be made available on East Village, Triathlon and partner websites. Page 17