Guidance Note For Applicants
Documentary evidence
Please send in as much documentary evidence as possible in support of your application. If we do not receive these details we may not be able to process your application accurately or award the maximum number of points you should be entitled to.
Your household
Give details of everyone who will be living with you. If you have children who only stay with you for part of the week, you should include their details and state how often they stay, and whether or not they stay overnight. You should also enclose documentary evidence of any custody or access order.
Acceptance onto the waiting list
If everything is in order, you will be accepted onto our waiting list. If we cannot do this within 10 days you will be sent an acknowledgement so that you know we are considering your application.
Checking the application
We do not make offers to any applicant unless we have carried out a credit reference check. We also contact previous landlords for confirmation that your tenancy was conducted satisfactorily and that there is no outstanding money owed. If you have ever been evicted from a property, or if you have been taken to court for any housing debts, you should give the details on your application form so that you can explain the reasons at an early stage.
If we find any county court judgements against you when we carry out the credit check, we will ask you to prove these are not housing debts (mortgage or rent arrears). We will not keep a record of any county court judgements that are not housing debts.
Rejecting applicants
If your application is rejected you will be told the reasons. If you do not accept our decision, you can make an appeal. You should write to the Area Housing Manager at your local office, stating why you do not accept our decision, and outlining any new facts you think we should be aware of. Your case will then be looked at again.
Reviewing the waiting list
We will write to you at least every twelve months asking you to renew your application. You should also advise us of any changes in circumstances. If we do not receive a reply to this letter we will assume that you have found alternative accommodation and remove your name from our waiting list.