Accommodation Options. Your guide to finding a home

Transcription

1 Accommodation Options Your guide to finding a home

2 Finding a new home Demand for affordable housing in Northampton is very high and cannot meet the needs of all who aspire to live in social housing. To make sure that the limited housing that is available is used to help customers in the greatest need the Council has reviewed and changed the housing allocations policy. This means that some people may no longer meet the criteria to apply for or join the housing register for a council or housing association property. This booklet contains information about the other options that some people should consider. If you are homeless or about to become homeless, please call the Housing Options Team on (We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service). For emergency advice if you are made homeless out of office hours call (We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service).

3 Contents Section 1: Private renting Facts and advice Section 2: Buying your own home Options for home ownership Section 3: Options for Council tenants and Housing Association tenants Mutual exchanges and the Under Occupation Scheme Section 4: Staying in your Home Money advice, lodgers and adaptations Section 5: Opportunities for single people Lodgings, sharing and the Deposit Bond Scheme Section 6: Useful contacts and information

4 SECTION 1 Rent a private home Private landlords have properties to let and are an alternative option for lots of people. Some of the advantages are: Properties can be rented quickly with no long waiting list The choice of area, type and size is greater Properties can be rented furnished, part furnished or unfurnished to suit your needs If you re on a low income housing benefit may help to cover your rent Many people have concerns about renting privately but Did you know? Private landlords prefer to have reliable, long-term tenants. Although tenancies are usually for a specific period landlords are keen not to have regularly find new tenants. Council tenancies will now also be on a fixed-term basis and will not provide a home for life in many cases If a private landlord asks you to leave for any reason, by law you must be given a reasonable time to find somewhere new Landlords need to keep their properties repaired to a good standard otherwise they won t get a licence or accreditation and will not recommend them. Before you sign a tenancy agreement and move into a property, find out what repairs your landlord will carry out should they become necessary Finding a deposit Northampton Credit Union can provide low interest loans for people with low incomes who are struggling to find a deposit. They can be contacted on If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you may qualify for help from the Deposit Bond Scheme. Call for more information (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) If you would like advice about renting a home from a private landlord contact the Private Sector Housing team on (We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service).

5 Tips when looking for a private rented home Be realistic - Work out what you can afford. Think about your bills, food and other living costs and work out what you can pay each month. Check what benefits you can get by visiting or speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau. Ask questions - Make sure you understand what s being offered. If you are unsure about anything, find out more and take notes or take someone with you when you view a property. Find out if any bills are included in the rent and ask for a written tenancy agreement before you move in or pay any money. Protect yourself - Ask if the agent is licensed or accredited. Find out if the agent is a member of a professional body such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents, the National Approved Lettings Scheme or the Property Ombudsman. Agents who are members of a professional body have to sign up to agreed standards and you can seek redress if things go wrong. Take precautions - check the details. Before handing over any money make sure the person you are paying has the right to let you the property. Always make sure you get a receipt for any money you hand over. Ask for help contact the Private Sector Housing team. If you have any concerns or problems with you landlord that are not easily solved or if you are threatened with eviction, ask for help. Call the Private Sector Housing team on (We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service). Private Rented Scheme Accredited landlords advertise their properties on the Choice Based Lettings website to allow customers who are on the housing register to place bids on their properties There are no limits for how many properties of this type you can bid for each week If a customer s bid is successful the Council will pay the deposit For more information on this scheme call or (We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service)

6 SECTION 2 Buy your own home Home ownership could be an option for you and it might be more affordable than you think. East Midlands Homebuy promotes home ownership for social housing tenants and first time buyers (people who have previously owned a home may also qualify). The schemes are available only to people whose household income is 60,000 a year or less. For more information visit or call Low cost home ownership schemes First Buy - this is a new scheme that helps first time buyers get on the property ladder. You buy 100% of the property, but only have to cover 80% with your mortgage and deposit The rest is paid by a loan from the property developer and the Homes and Community Agency. You don t have to pay back any of the loan for 5 years but it must be paid back within 25 years, plus fees Shared Ownership this scheme is to help people who would not otherwise be able to buy a home of their own. You buy the maximum share of the property you can afford (between 25% and 80%) The remaining share is paid as rent to the housing association. A bigger share can be bought as and when you want until you own the property completely (some housing associations have restrictions) Under the scheme you still have all the rights and responsibilities of full home ownership Rent To Buy - if you cannot afford a deposit for a property, so can t get a mortgage, this scheme can help. You can live in and rent the property for up to five years while you save up for a deposit to buy it The scheme is available from different housing associations (check the details as terms and conditions can be different) The rent at the property is affordable (20% less than market rates) which means that you can save for a deposit more easily

7 It is expected that you will buy the property after the five years you might be assessed while you are renting to make sure that you can still afford to buy it and still qualify for the scheme Purchase outright you may be able to buy a property without any assistance from one of the low cost ownership schemes. You own 100% of the property, possibly with a mortgage There are a wide range of mortgages to suit different needs. You can speak to a financial adviser to help decide which one is best for you The Money Advice Service offers free unbiased help by calling or visiting Other Schemes NewBuy - lets you buy a newly built home with a deposit of only 5% of the purchase price. To qualify for NewBuy, your new home must be: a new build being sold for the first time or for the first time in its current form (eg a new flat that used to be part of a house) priced 500,000 or less your main home (you can t use NewBuy to buy a second home or a buy-to-let property) owned fully by you (you can t use NewBuy for shared ownership or shared equity purchases) built by a builder taking part in the scheme To qualify you must be either: a UK citizen someone with the right to remain indefinitely in the UK You don t have to be a first-time buyer and there s no limit on your level of income. But you can t use NewBuy with any other publicly funded mortgage scheme. You apply for a mortgage from an approved lender. The lender will check that you can afford to repay it, as they would for any other type of mortgage. If the lender is satisfied, and you meet all the criteria above, you could be able to a get a mortgage of up to 95% of the purchase price. For further information regarding this scheme call

8 SECTION 3 Swap your home If you are already a council or housing association tenant you could swap your home with another tenant. This is called a mutual exchange. If you would like to apply to swap your home: Visit and register (it s free). You will be given a username and password to log-in and use Add the details of the property you are living in the website will then check straight away for any possible property swaps for you. It will save these matches so you can look at them again next time you log in You can then contact other people on the website and arrange to swap with someone who is looking to move into a property like yours and who has a property you would like to move to Once you ve both agreed you d like to swap, you take the next step by completing a mutual exchange application form available from the One Stop Shop at the Guildhall or by visiting Home swaps are usually approved unless: Either tenant has breached their tenancy agreement The property is considered too big or too small or has disabled adaptations that are not needed A landlord does not allow exchanges For more information call (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) or visit Under Occupation Scheme If you are a current council or housing association tenant and your home is bigger than you need, we could help to re-house you to more suitable sized accommodation and complete any adaptations required in your new home.

9 Advantages: A smaller home is easier to manage You would get higher priority on the housing register Rent, council tax, and heating bills could be reduced You may be entitled to a payment for each spare room that you give up and /or removal costs Did you know? You can bid for up to six properties every week if you are under occupying your property If you are 50 and over or in receipt of disability living allowance you can be considered for sheltered accommodation We can show you how to use the Choice Based Lettings website We can accompany you when you look at a new home We can advise you on clearing your old property of unwanted furniture and carpets For more information on the Under Occupation Scheme call or (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) From April 2013, your Housing Benefit may be reduced if you have more bedrooms than you need. Contact for more information (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) Right To Buy If you are a council tenant and have a secure tenancy you may have the right to buy your home at a discounted rate under the Right to Buy scheme. You will need to have held your tenancy for 5 years to qualify. If you have an introductory or demoted tenancy you will not qualify for this scheme. Tenants in sheltered accommodation cannot apply to buy their property as sheltered properties are ineligible for this scheme. Tenants of properties that are suitable for the elderly may also be refused the Right to Buy depending on whether or not they were over the age of 60 when the property was let to them. You cannot buy your home if your tenancy is held in connection with your job, you are a an undischarged bankrupt or if you have lost your security of tenure through a suspended possession order. For further information about the scheme visit

10 SECTION 4 Staying in your current home If you are thinking of moving because of money worries or because your home might need to be adapted to better meet your needs. There are a number of schemes available which could help you stay in your home. Mortgage Rescue Scheme this scheme was set up by the government to help home owners who are in danger of losing their home. In some circumstances a social housing provider will purchase your property and allow you to rent it from them at a subsidised rate. There is also a shared equity option, which could reduce your housing costs to an amount you can afford. Free money advice and help with your mortgage lender is also available If you are struggling with your mortgage please call (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) Lodger s Scheme - if you have a spare room you could join Northampton Borough Council s Lodger s Scheme and use the money to help pay the bills. The scheme, for home owners and council tenants, matches people who are looking to rent a room with people who have a room available Once you register and a suitable potential lodger is found a meeting is set up. You can then decide if you are happy to accept the lodger Providing the rental income for the tax year is less than 4250 this will be tax exempt For more information call or or visit (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service)

11 Money Advice different organisations offer advice and help if you are struggling to pay your rent, mortgage or bills. Northampton Borough Council has a Money Advice Service. As well as giving advice on how best to manage your money, you can also get help to arrange affordable payments to repay your most urgent debts. Call or visit (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) Jobcentre Plus will give advice about benefits which could help pay for your housing or living costs - Call or visit Northamptonshire County Council can offer advice about whether you can get free school meals or free school transport. Call or visit The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free advice on benefits, debt and money management. Call or visit Adaptions to your home if you re disabled and need to make changes to stay in your current home then you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant. Grants of up to 30,000 can be awarded subject to eligibility for structural changes to the property to make it easier to move around and remain independent. If you live with a disabled person applications can also be made on their behalf. There are two types of adaptations: Minor changes - this could be things like installing hand rails around the home or lever taps in your bathroom Major changes - this could include installing things like a level access shower, low level kitchen units and stair or step lifts. Doors could also be widened for wheelchairs or heating systems improved

12 Who can apply? Homeowners Private landlords and private tenants if you have your landlord s written permission for any changes Housing association tenants may also be eligible The grant is means tested which means an applicant s income and savings will be checked as part of the application. The form is also lengthy and complex and applicants should speak to a member of the housing team for guidance and advice before filling it in. For more information or to apply call , pshs@northampton.gov.uk or visit (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service).

13 SECTION 5 Opportunities for single people If you are a single person looking for a new home, you may want to consider shared accommodation or renting a room in private accommodation. Lodger s Scheme - Northampton Borough Council runs a Lodger s Scheme where you could rent a furnished room with shared facilities. Lodgers are matched with home owners or council tenants who have a spare room to let and a meeting is set up to see if the match suits Single people between ages 16 to 55 can apply if you have a low income, receive housing benefits and have a local connection with Northampton To find out more about the scheme call or or visit (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service) Deposit Bond Scheme - if you are over 35 and are or are about to be homeless, you might qualify for help with a deposit for a privately rented home. Through the scheme a bond of up to one month s rent is given to a landlord instead of a cash deposit The tenant then saves up the pledged amount and pays it to the landlord before the bond runs out For more information call or visit (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service). Shared accommodation if you cannot afford a flat or house on your own you could share the costs and rent it with other people. Speak to friends or a group of people who you would be happy to share facilities and bills with Make sure you discuss ground rules and boundaries before you move in and sign any paperwork because you may lose money if you fail to observe the tenancy agreement Alternatively, look for a room in a house or flat that is already shared. Make sure you meet the people already living there before you sign anything to make sure you are happy sharing facilities with them For more information, advice or help call or visit (we welcome calls via the Text Relay Service).

14 SECTION 6 Useful Contacts Northampton Borough Council Housing Solutions Service Choice Officers or homechoice@northampton.gov.uk Private Sector Housing pshs@northampton.gov.uk Money Advice Team moneyadvice@northampton.gov.uk Housing Options Team housingadvice@northampton.gov.uk To tell us about a rough sleeper call: or nsno@northampton.gov.uk If the person concerned requires urgent medical attention please call an ambulance. Northamptonshire County Council General Enquiries: General Advice and Information on all Government Services: Northampton Association of Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH) over 18 s The Hope Centre

15 The Jesus Centre The Salvation Army Shelter Age UK Northamptonshire Gingerbread Advice, support and information for single parents - CAN Drugs & Alcohol Service adminderngate@can.org.uk Housing Service adminhat@can.org.uk Citizens Advice Bureau Community Law Service enquiries@communitylawservice.org.uk Northampton Credit Union ADMIN@northamptoncu.co.uk

16 Jobcentre Plus Domestic abuse advice, information and support National Domestic Violence Helpline The Sunflower Centre Northampton Women s Aid (for children and young people living with domestic abuse) Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge (24 hr emergency number) Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Forum Men s Advice Line info@mensadviceline.org.uk Mankind (for men experiencing domestic abuse) Broken Rainbow (domestic abuse support to all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities) help@brokenrainbow.org.uk

17 Useful information Websites Computers with internet access are available at all local libraries and in the One Stop Shop at the Guildhall. Local notices Look out for cards and adverts in newsagent windows and on supermarket noticeboards. Affordable flats, houses and rooms to rent are often advertised locally. Local newspapers Flats, houses and rooms to rent are advertised in the Northampton Chronicle and Echo, available every two weeks on a Thursday, and the Herald and Post, a free paper available every week. Letting agencies Agencies let and manage flats, rooms and houses for private landlords. Details of Northampton agencies are available by visiting or Friends and family Family, friends and work-colleagues may know of rooms or flats for rent. Let people know you are looking for a new home.

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19 Housing Solutions Northampton Borough Council The Guildhall St Giles Square Northampton NN1 1DE We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service

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