Housing Association

Nomination to join the register

To join the Housing Register, applicants must complete a housing application form.

It is important to answer all the questions otherwise we may not be able to register your application. You must answer all questions honestly. If you deliberately give false or misleading information to gain housing, court action may be considered and this could lead to a fine and/or an eviction.

Anyone over the age of 16 years or over may apply to join the register even if you don't live or work in the area.

You can now bid for Housing association properties by bidding through the More Choice in Lettings scheme.

Those who cannot join the housing register

Owner/occupiers who have sufficient resources to enable them to secure suitable alternative accommodation
Applicants with second homes
Applicants who are subject to immigration control, unless they are a group specified by the secretary of state as eligible for housing assistance

We work closely with several Housing Associations to develop affordable housing for rent.

Some people on our Transfer List or Housing Register (waiting list) are offered a Housing Association property instead of a Council home.

What is a Housing Association?

Housing Associations are 'Registered Social Landlords' not private landlords. They provide housing in a very similar way to us and are non-profit making. They are run by Committees, who are unpaid, and managed by paid, professional housing officers.

People who rent a Housing Association property must meet their rules and conditions of tenancy.

Most Associations are registered with the Housing Corporation. The Housing Corporation is a 'non departmental public body', sponsored by Communities and Local Government. Its role is to fund and regulate Registered Social Landlords in England.

Housing Associations offer 'assured tenancies' which offer security similar to a council tenancy. There is a special Tenants Charter which protects tenants' rights.

Housing Association rents tend to be higher than Council rents. But, many of their properties are a lot newer than Council properties.

Also, the government has recently announced that council and registered social landlord rents must be brought into line over the next 10 years. The rent is very reasonable compared to the cost of renting a similar home privately. People living on a low incomes may qualify for housing benefit.

In certain cases Housing Association tenants may be able to buy their home. All tenants have the right to buy if the property is part of a Housing Association Scheme built with Housing Corporation grant since April 1997.

Can tenants transfer to a council property?

Housing Association tenants can apply to their Association for a transfer, in the same way as council tenants. After 2 years in the tenancy they can join our Transfer List, if they have a housing need. They are dealt with in the same way as our own tenants.

Registered Social Landlord register

The 'Public Registered Social Landlord Register' gives some basic information on Housing Associations currently registered with the Housing Corporation.

Contact

Housing Strategy

Roycraft House

15 Linton Road

Barking

IG11 8HE

Tel: 020 8227 5724

Fax: 020 8227 5799

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: james.goddard@lbbd.gov.uk|