Housing Associations 

To join the housing register, applicants must complete a Council 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.

• 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 help

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.

Housing associations are 'Registered Providers' they are 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 funded by the Homes and Communities Agency. The Homes and Communities Agency is a 'non departmental public body' sponsored by Communities and Local Government.

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

In certain cases housing association tenants may be able to buy their home.

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.

Shared ownership is a form of low cost property ownership where you can part buy and part rent. These schemes are operated throughout the borough by housing associations, which are approved, regulated and part-funded by the Housing Corporation.

There are 2 types of shared equity schemes:

• New Build Home Buy
• Open Market Home Buy

All applicants for any of these low cost home ownership schemes should visit the First Steps website for more detailed information.