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We work closely with several Housing Associations to develop new affordable housing for rent across the district. When these become available they are advertised and let through the district-wide Choice Based Lettings (CBL) system. When existing Housing Association properties become empty they are also advertised by us. Therefore some people on the housing register (waiting list) are offered a Housing Association property instead of a council home.
To join the Housing Association Register, you must complete a housing application form. If you would like us to send you an application form please use the contact details below.
It is important to answer all the questions otherwise we may not be able to register your application and/or your needs banding may not be correct. You must answer all questions honestly because 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 eviction.
Anyone over the age of 16 years or over may apply to join the register and it is not necessary to live or work in the area.
In broad terms those who are unable to join the register are:
- 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 assistance.
Housing Associations are Registered Social Landlords not private landlords. They provide housing in a very similar way to the council.
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 Tenant Services Authority (TSA) . The TSA is a 'Non Departmental Public Body', sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Its role is to 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. In addition, the Government requires that council and RSL rents must be brought into line over the next few 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 Housing Association 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 common housing register, if they have a housing need. They are dealt with in the same way as our own tenants.
The Tenant Services Authority gives some basic information on Housing Associations (RSLs) and how they perform.
Contact details
Housing Services
South Derbyshire District Council
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 595953 or 01283 595778
Fax: 01283 595852
Online: contact form
email: housing@south-derbys.gov.uk
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