Housing Service

HOUSING OPTIONS GUIDE - CHAPTER 2

REGISTERED SOCIAL LANDLORDS

Introduction

There are around 200 local and national housing associations and housing co-operatives in Scotland registered with Communities Scotland, providing a range of accommodation in the Council area. Their names, addresses and contacts etc. are listed in Appendix B.

Registered Housing Associations are non-profit making friendly societies, with a few exceptions, run by professional staff, but controlled by voluntary management committees. Housing Associations get grants from the Governments national housing agency - Communities Scotland (and in the future this may well be managed by local authorities) - towards the costs of building homes for rent or shared ownership.

In general, registered housing associations are non-profit making societies and are run by professional staff, but controlled by voluntary management committees.

2.1 General needs rented housing for waiting list applicants

Who can apply for housing to a Registered Social Landlord

The Council's "nomination" agreement

Most councils and housing associations and, sometimes, other providers operating in our area have "nomination agreements" to refer applicants from their waiting lists. It is important, however, to note that the agreement only gives the Council the right to suggest names of applicants - not to tell the association how to allocate its houses. Different arrangements operate for homeless households (September 2002).

Where and how to apply for housing association rented housing

The names and addresses of associations and other local housing providers are
listed above.

As associations' allocation systems vary, further advice on the applications process and information about their stock should be obtained from local housing associations.

Applicants and those who advise applicants should not hesitate to ask housing association staff for further information and advice if it is required. Further detailed written information is available, but staff are happy to discuss any questions arising.

Rent levels

Rents for housing association houses are generally somewhat higher than Council house rents. Rent levels for similar size properties, however, vary according to certain factors, including the remoteness of the location and the lack of services in the area and/or the amenities within the particular property e.g. what kind of heating system or size of kitchen it has.

The average weekly rent for Registered Social Landlords Scottish Secure Tenancies in East Ayrshire is £51.27 (04/05: 'Scottish RSL Statistics' Communities Scotland: R & I).

2.2. Special needs housing

Special needs housing is a general term covering housing built with particular tenant groups in mind. Usually it involves either specially built or adapted housing, for example housing for older or disabled people, or houses linked to some support facility for adults with learning difficulties. It can also refer to houses allocated to particular groups, for example older people. Terms used to describe particular types of housing include:

Amenity Housing: flats or houses with special modifications for people with particular needs, but not supported by a warden. For example, amenity housing for older people could include bathroom handrails, non slip flooring and repositioned electrical sockets.

Sheltered Housing: groups of self contained homes linked to a warden who provides specialist support to all of the tenants.

Very Sheltered Housing: Very Sheltered Housing is accommodation for frail older people designed to barrier free standards and offers enhanced housing management support and meals provision. Additional facilities, to allow for the provision of bathing, dining and other communal activities, are incorporated with an option for individual care packages to be provided by social work. The whole environment enables the partnership of Housing, Social Work and Health to provide a continuum of care in a planned and coordinated way. Joint definition agreed between Hanover, Bield and Kirkcare Housing Associations, July 1996.

Care Housing: Care Housing meets the care needs of frail older people within a housing setting. Care staff will provide care directly to older people. The whole environment enables the partnership of Housing, Social Work and Health to provide the continuum of care in a planned and coordinated way. Working definition agreed between Hanover, Bield and Kirkcare Housing Associations.

Special needs housing is most often provided by registered social landlords but some provision is also made by East Ayrshire Council. See Appendix B for other providers. A list of housing associations in Scotland and the client groups they cater for is available on request from Communities Scotland on 0131 313 0044 or from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations at www.sfha.co.uk or telephone 0141 332 8113.

Information about the housing options for disabled people is available from the Disabled Persons Housing Services and from Ownership Options on 0131 661 3400 or visit their website at www.oois.org.uk

UPDATE is Scotland's National disability information service. They provide a range of services to information providers throughout Scotland. You can access their website on www.update.org.uk

A comprehensive database of housing for older people can be accessed on www.housingcare.org

Also check East Ayrshire Council's website, where details of local residential homes can be found in the social work pages.

2.3 Rights and responsibilities of housing association tenants

Repairs and Maintenance
Responsibility for repairs to housing association houses is shared between the association and the tenant. Generally the association is responsible for maintaining the fabric and permanent fittings of the building in good condition and the tenant is responsible for internal decoration, furnishings, and removable fittings. Full details of the respective responsibilities are available from the relevant housing association.

Adaptations
Support is available to help older or disabled people to continue living comfortably and independently in their own homes. Funding is available to adapt houses to suit the needs of the tenant. Typical adaptations include putting in showers, extra heating, and handrails and ramped accesses. Generally requests should be put in writing to the association. Needs are usually assessed by an occupational therapist.

Right to Buy (where applicable)
Currently only tenants who have a secure tenancy have the right to buy their home at a discount. These will include those with tenancies which started before 15 January 1989 or any whose home has been transferred since then from the ownership of Scottish Homes to Communities Scotland.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 extends the right to buy to some tenants of housing associations. If the housing association is registered as a charity, tenants will not be able to buy their house; however, if the housing association is not registered as a charity, tenants may have the right to buy their house. There are however some restrictions on this and the housing association should be contacted to see if the right to buy operates in their stock. (September 2002).

Transfers and mutual exchanges
Tenants can apply for a transfer or to join a mutual exchange scheme. Generally applications for transfer are made to the Housing Manager and assessed and pointed in accordance with the allocation policy.

Tenancy Support

If you are worried about losing your tenancy you may benefit from practical advice and support from a tenancy support officer. See Appendix B for contact information.

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