Housing Allocations

Refer to information from CAB information system re: Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Accommodation

In addition:

Existing tenants applying for a transfer should be treated within the same allocation scheme as other applicants.

If an existing tenant dies leaving a member of their household in the property, if that remaining person has no succession rights, the LA should consider granting a tenancy to that person (in that same house or suitable alternative accommodation).

Choice or preference options for applicants. The LA must decide whether it will offer the applicants a choice of accommodation or the opportunity to express a preference for the type of accommodation and the area they would like to live.

The LA also has the option to “advertise” vacant properties for people to apply for.

The LA has a duty to give “reasonable preference” to

·        Homeless (inc intentionally homeless, not in priority need, in priority need and threatened with homelessness)

·        People living in insanitary, overcrowded or unsatisfactory housing conditions

·        People who need to move on health or welfare grounds

·        People who need to move to a specific area and not doing so would cause hardship (eg for medical care, job or training place)

Other considerations regarding priority within “reasonable preference” and “additional preference” categories

·        Financial resources of the applicant

·        Behaviour of the applicant (regarding suitability as a tenant)

·        Local connection

·        A means of choosing between applicants who have the same level of need

·        Class of applicant (eg profession, adults without children)

The Housing Authority must provide information to the applicant about how their application is to be treated and the availability of suitable accommodation.

It must also publish a summary of its allocation scheme.