SOCIAL HOUSING SUPPORT

WHAT IS SOCIAL HOUSING?

When it comes to Social Housing provided by the council or a Housing Association, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. There are various issues that may arise in this type of housing, and being aware of how to handle them is crucial. One common issue that individuals may face is difficulty managing rent, Council Tax, and service charge payments. If these payments become unmanageable, it can lead to the possibility of eviction.

This webpage aims to provide valuable information on the process of accessing Social Housing or finding suitable accommodation for you and your family. It offers guidance on how to navigate the system and ensure that you can secure a home that meets your needs. Additionally, it provides advice on effectively addressing any concerns or issues that may arise with the council or Housing Association.

By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can better protect your home and prevent any potential loss. This webpage serves as a resource to help you navigate the complexities of Social Housing and ensure that you can maintain a stable living situation. Whether you are seeking assistance in accessing Social Housing or need guidance on resolving issues with your current housing provider, this webpage offers valuable information to help you navigate the process.

WHAT DOES SOCIAL HOUSING MEAN?

Social Housing refers to housing that is offered by social landlords, primarily councils and Housing Associations. In comparison to private rented housing, social housing generally offers more affordable rents and provides greater security in terms of tenancies. The allocation of homes in Social Housing is typically based on the level of need of individuals or families.

HOW CAN YOU ACCESS SOCIAL HOUSING?

To obtain Social Housing, it is necessary to submit an application. The council is responsible for allocating the majority of Social Housing in most areas. Consequently, each council has the authority to establish their requirements for eligibility, determine the prioritisation of applications, and decide how housing offers are made.

However, as a general principle, Social Housing is allocated based on the level of need. Therefore, the more urgent your need is, the higher priority you are likely to receive.

WHAT IS MEANT BY PRIORITY NEEDS?

In numerous areas, there is a waiting list for Social Housing. Your ranking on this list is determined by your level of priority need, with a higher priority resulting in a higher position.

According to legislation, individuals should be granted a "reasonable" level of priority if they meet the following criteria:

They are homeless
They reside in substandard conditions, such as overcrowded housing
They require relocation due to medical or welfare reasons
They need to move to provide or receive care

If you belong to any of these categories and your situation is particularly urgent, you may be granted additional priority.

The Housing Allocation Scheme outlines a points-based system that your local council will utilise to determine the priority of your housing circumstances.

Applicants who will receive higher priority for housing:

Individuals whose present housing significantly affects their well-being
Individuals residing in extremely congested housing conditions
Individuals experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence
Additional priority groups are outlined in the Allocation Policy of each local borough council’s

Applicants who will be given a lower priority for housing:

Individuals who have not resided within their local council borough for a continuous period of three years before submitting an application (this requirement may differ depending on the specific borough council)
Individuals who possess sole or joint ownership of residential property in the United Kingdom or any other location
Individuals whose income or savings are deemed sufficient to secure alternative suitable accommodation
If you are currently a tenant of a Housing Association and have not directly applied for a transfer with your Housing Association.

When applying for Social Housing, it is important to provide the council with information about yourself, your property, and your household. This information will determine your position on the waiting list, so make sure to include any challenges you are facing in your current living situation, such as accessibility issues or distance from your support network.

Typically, you will be assigned to a specific "band" or given a certain number of points that reflect your level of priority. If you are dissatisfied with the band or points you have been assigned, you have the right to request a review or appeal.

WHAT IS THE PRIORITY BAND SYSTEM?

The priority band for re-housing is determined by the number of points you receive, with band A being the highest and band D being the lowest.

Band A requires 300+ points
Band B is 150-299 points
Band C is 50-149 points
Band D is 1-49 points

Your position within your priority band is determined by the date you register your application. It is crucial to understand that each borough council may have its own criteria for evaluating your priority needs and allocating Social Housing.

You have the option to apply to multiple councils and be on multiple waiting lists simultaneously, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, individuals with a local connection are often given higher priority, and some areas may only allow local residents to join the waiting list.

If you are looking to move to a different area and face difficulties due to the local connection requirement, it may be possible to argue that your case is exceptional. The council should have a policy in place regarding this matter. If you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to seek advice from our expert advisors at Your Advice Hub if you are unsure about your current housing options.

HOUSING ASSOCIATION AND YOU

Many Housing Associations allocate most, if not all, of their properties through the council waiting list. However, some associations reserve properties for their own allocation.

If you are unable to join a council waiting list or if the waiting list is too long, it is worth checking if any Housing Associations in your area accept direct applications.

Housing associations are organisations that offer affordable rented housing, primarily for individuals with low incomes or specific needs.

If you are interested in renting directly from a Housing Association, it is crucial to verify the type of tenancy you would receive. While some associations accept direct applications, these tenancies may offer less security and higher rents.

It is crucial to bear in mind that when applying for Social Housing through either the council or a Housing Association, it is essential to provide relevant information and evidence explaining why you require it.

This should clearly demonstrate the connection between your housing needs and your overall well-being. For instance, a letter from your GP can be helpful in explaining how your current housing situation impacts your health.

WHAT IS SHELTERED HOUSING?

Sheltered Housing (also known as Supported Housing), provides a higher level of assistance compared to standard Social Housing. Its main goal is to enable individuals to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

The level of support may vary depending on the specific Sheltered Housing Scheme but typically includes a 24-hour emergency alarm system and regular visits from support staff.

To access Sheltered Housing, you can apply through your local council's waiting list, Alternatively, you may be able to directly obtain Sheltered Housing through a Housing Association.

f you require a greater level of support than what can be offered by Sheltered Housing offers, it is advisable to contact our professional and compassionate advisors who will help you contact your local council's Social Services department.

DO I HAVE ANY RIGHTS TO REQUEST REPAIRS?

Irrespective of the kind of tenancy you possess, your landlord must carry out repairs on the structure and exterior of your property, as well as on the various installations such as the boiler, sinks, bath, wiring, pipes, and radiators.

Furthermore, in the majority of cases, your landlord is also obligated to ensure that your property is suitable for human habitation throughout the duration of your tenancy. If your landlord fails to fulfil these responsibilities, you have the right to lodge a complaint and potentially take legal action against them.

GET YOUR HOUSING SUPPORT TODAY!

Facing eviction or receiving a Section 8 or 21 notice from your landlord can be intimidating. Dealing with bedroom tax or health concerns or sofa-surfing can also be overwhelming without the right information or support.

Our skilled advisors are available for a low investment of £59 to help you quickly and easily access the necessary forms and discuss your case with your housing officer.

Let us guide you through the entire process today!

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WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?

It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the type of tenancy you currently have or are likely to obtain in Social Housing, as your rights are primarily determined by this factor.

In Social Housing, most council tenants are granted a 'secure' tenancy, while most Housing Association tenants have an 'assured' tenancy.

Both types of tenancies can be granted either for the duration of your life (unless any issues arise or you decide to vacate) or for a fixed period. It is essential to ascertain whether you have a lifetime or fixed-term tenancy, as this can impact the length of time you are allowed to reside in the property.

DO I HAVE ANY EVICTION RIGHTS?

If you possess a lifetime secure or assured tenancy, your landlord must have a valid reason to evict you.

Regardless of the type of tenancy, you can face eviction if you have outstanding rent payments, engage in antisocial behaviour, or violate the terms of your tenancy agreement in any other way.

If your landlord wishes to evict you, they must take legal action and bring the case to court. If this occurs, you may have the opportunity to present your case and persuade the court to allow you to remain on the property.

It is advisable to contact our expert advisors as soon as possible if your landlord intends to terminate your tenancy. We will connect you with a specialist Housing Solicitor as you may be eligible for legal aid, which provides free legal guidance and representation. It is important to note that eligibility for legal aid is subject to means-testing benefits.

WILL I BE ABLE TO PASS MY TENANCY ON?

Your tenancy type also determines your ability to transfer your tenancy after your death.

This is commonly referred to as 'succession'. Succession can occur either by law or through the provisions of your tenancy agreement, which may grant you more favourable rights.

According to the law, a tenancy can generally only be passed on once, even if a joint tenancy becomes a sole tenancy following the death of one tenant. Additionally, there are specific rules regarding which family members can inherit the tenancy, depending on the type of tenancy.

However, individual tenancy agreements may offer more generous provisions. It is advisable to review your own agreement to understand the rights it provides or consult your landlord's policies to determine if any special arrangements have been made for cases involving adult children of joint tenants. If you're unsure, speak to one of our Housing Advisors today and they will guide you through the process.

CAN I MOVE AND TRANSFER MY TENANCY?

If you are considering moving to a different council or Housing Association property, there are several options available to you.

To begin, it is advisable to consult with your housing officer, as each landlord may have different procedures for transferring tenants. You may be required to join the council's general waiting list, or there may be a specific list specifically for transfers.

Additionally, there is the possibility of engaging in a mutual exchange or "home swap" with another social tenant. Regardless of the option you choose, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the terms of the new tenancy agreement or exchange, as it is possible that you may have fewer rights, including fewer protections against eviction, compared to your current situat.

If you find that your current property no longer meets your needs, it may be worth speaking to one of our specialised housing advisors. They can explore the possibility of adapting your current property to better suit your requirements, potentially eliminating the need for a move.

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