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Summary of the the Lettings Policy
Scope
The Lettings Policy describes how Link operates its choice based lettings system, homehunt ©.
It sets out when lettings will be made in other ways, where we are a partner in a local authority area operating a common housing register, such as Edinburgh and Highland.
We also refer to circumstances when properties may be let in other partnership arrangements to meet particular needs and emergencies. Homehunttm and common registers provide routes for homeless applicants to access our tenancies.
We work closely with local authorities to ensure that homeless people are given the opportunities to choose tenancies under these arrangements. In addition, local authorities may make formal referrals of homeless households to Link.
We are bound to accept the referral if we have suitable vacant property and there are no reasonable grounds for refusal.
Principles
The lettings policy is applied using the following principles:
- We provide equal opportunities of access to our housing for all potential applicants by making information about vacant properties widely available.
- We provide a range of methods by which people may register and apply for vacancies.
- We give preference to applicants with significant housing needs.
- We aim to make best use of properties in terms of occupancy levels and features of design or adaptations.
- We aim to promote sustainable communities.
Practice
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Under homehunttm, properties will be let to the person:
(a) whose household will make best use of the house
(b) who holds the most urgent priority pass, if any Link chooses between people at the same priority level on the basis of the date on which they registered. - Link provides information about vacant properties in accessible formats.
- We publish details of lettings, showing how many people apply for each vacancy and the priority level.
- Vacant properties are advertised on a regular basis and a closing date for applications is shown.
- Any person who has registered may choose to apply for advertised vacancies.
Properties let not using the homehunt system
- Properties needed to decant tenants who are affected by major redevelopment projects.
- Properties needed for specific local authority nominees or referrals from other agencies.
- Mutual exchanges.
- Specially adapted properties let with assistance from other agencies if advertising under homehunt© has not led to applications from households who need all the facilities provided.
- Lettings to fulfil current local lettings plans approved by the LHA Board.
- Link properties within the City of Edinburgh and Highland Council areas where common housing registers operate.
- We may let properties to tenants of Link or other housing providers who need to move at short notice due to severe harassment or violence or other emergency. In these cases properties already advertised may be withdrawn without notice to other applicants, or vacancies not yet advertised may be used.
This policy was approved by the Link Group Board on 8 September 2009.