Housing
UPDATES COMING SOON!
Types of housing
Private Housing
Privately rented housing is an alternative to social housing. You can find it through local lettings agents and on property listings websites. The types of privately rented housing available is different across the country.
When you find a house or flat you will probably need to pay a deposit. You will then need to sign a ‘tenancy agreement’. This is a legal contract between you and the landlord.
Your tenancy agreement will state;
• The date you can move in
• How long the contract is for
• How much the rent is • When you must pay the rent.
Social Housing
Social housing is provided by local councils and housing associations.
To access social housing you will need to apply to the council (local housing authority) where you wish to live in order to go onto their housing waiting list. You will usually need to fill in an application form, and you may be able to do this online.
Many housing associations let some or all of their properties through the council waiting list. However, in some areas you may also be able to apply to housing associations directly, and the council should be able to inform you if this is the case.
People who have been granted refugee status are eligible to be considered for social housing. However, to get onto the council waiting list, a person must also qualify under rules set by the local council itself. Local councils must have a scheme (their allocation scheme) setting out their policies and procedures for allocating social housing and most councils publish it on line. This should explain who qualifies to go onto the waiting list, and how the council prioritise applicants.