ASSESSING HOUSING NEED

Applications will be assessed to see if they fit into one of certain categories of Housing Need, with points awarded according to individual circumstances listed in General Definitions of Assessment of Applications and Points Allocations

THE HOUSING LISTS

When assessing Housing Need and managing its Housing Lists, the Association's Allocations Team will assess applications according to the applicant's circumstances and in accordance with the Allocations Policy approved by the Board of Management.

HOW TO APPLY

The forms are available from the Association's Estate Office in Franklands Village where they must be returned after completion.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR APPLICATION?

On receipt of a completed application form, the Association's Allocations Team will consider it. Within six weeks of receiving the form the Association aims to advise an applicant of the Allocations Team's decision which will be one of the following: -

• The name of the applicant has been registered and added to the housing list for a specific type of property. At the time of registration applicants will also be advised of the points' assessment for that application and their position on the Housing List.
• Further information is needed from the applicant before a decision can be reached about the application.
• The Housing List for the appropriate accommodation is full and an offer of accommodation within a reasonable period is not possible.
• The application has been rejected and the reason for rejection will be given in writing.

Unfortunately the FVHA is only able to re-house a very small number of applicants each year due to the limited availability of properties.

The Association's staff may wish to interview applicants before making a decision about an application or an offer of accommodation. The Association reserve the right to conduct this interview at the applicant's existing residence.

The Association does not keep large waiting lists as this could give applicants false hopes. Persons whose applications are rejected may re-apply if their circumstances change.

All decisions regarding applications to live in Franklands Village and the allocation of tenancies are the responsibility of the Allocations Team. The Board of Management who has delegated the authority to the Allocations Team operates an Exclusion Policy as defined in the general definitions

IF YOUR APPLICATION IS ACCEPTED

• All applicants registered on the housing lists must keep the Association informed of any changes in their circumstances in relation to Housing Need. These changes will be reviewed by the Allocations Team.
  
  
• All applicants accepted onto the Housing Lists will be asked to re-submit their application every six months by completing a re-registration form giving their current circumstances. If the applicant does not respond to the six months enquiry his/her name will be removed from the Housing List.

HOW TENANCIES ARE ALLOCATED

The Allocations Team makes offers of tenancies to applicants accepted onto the Housing Lists according to the points allocated based on the applicant's degree of Housing Need and not solely according to the length of time spent on the Housing List. Joint applicants will be required to sign a joint Tenancy agreement. Should the application no longer be joint before signing the agreement the remaining applicant would be asked to reapply with the change of circumstances. The Association reserves the right to reassess the remaining occupant should under occupancy occur within a 6 month period of the commencement of the tenancy. The Allocations Team may, if appropriate adopt a local lettings policy to ensure sustainability and the best use of housing stock. The Allocations Team will report any local lettings policy to the Board quarterly

EXCHANGES AND TRANSFERS

The Association co-operates with other Housing Associations and Local Authorities regarding mutual exchanges and referrals. The Association will also consider exchanges and transfers between existing tenants of under occupied properties. In addition, the FVHA will participate in other mobility schemes for approved applicants.

Transfers or exchanges must be agreed by all parties, including Landlords and will be subject to the Association's policies contained in this document.

The Association's consent will only be given if the transfer does not create under or over occupation and tenants accept the condition of the property to which they are transferring.

TERMINATION OF TENANCY

Normally a 4 week notice is required as set out in the Assured Tenancy Agreement.