Joining a Housing Association
Some people on our Transfer List or Joint Housing Register (waiting list) may be offered a Housing Association property instead of a Council home.
The City Council works in partnership with 4 local housing associations to maintain the Joint Housing Register
The Partners:
A2
33 Staple Gardens
Winchester
SO23 8SR
Tel: 01962 840 061
Hampshire Voluntary Housing Society
Penny Farthing House
3 Chesil Street
Winchester
SO23 OHU
Tel: 01962 833300
Hyde Housing Group
63 St Marys Street
St Marys
Southampton
SO14 1NU
Tel: 02380 836800
Swaythling Housing Society
Herbert Collins House
Wide Lane
Swaythling
SO18 2HZ
02380 584 661 or 02380 584 662
Housing Associations are 'Registered Social Landlords' not private landlords. They provide housing in a very similar way to the Council 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. The Housing Association will carry out most repairs.
Most Associations are registered with the Housing Corporation. The Housing Corporation is a non- departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Communities and Local Government. Its role is to fund and regulate Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in England.
Housing Associations offer "assured tenancies" which offer security similar to a Council tenancy. There is a special Tenants Charter which protects tenants' rights.
Housing Association rents tend to be higher than Council rents. But, many of their properties are a lot newer than Council properties. Also, the Government has recently announced that Council and RSL rents must be brought into line over the next 10 years. The rent is very reasonable compared to the cost of renting a similar home privately. People living on a low incomes may qualify for housing benefit.
In certain cases Housing Association tenants may be able to buy their home. All tenants have the right to buy if the property is part of a Housing Association Scheme built with Housing Corporation grant since April 1997.
Can Tenants Transfer to a Council Property?
Housing Association tenants can apply to their Association for a transfer, in the same way as Council tenants. After two years in the tenancy they can join the Council's Transfer List, if they have a housing need. They are dealt with in the same way as our own tenants.
The 'Public RSL Register' gives some basic information on Housing Associations (RSLs) currently registered with the Housing Corporation.
