We will:
Applying for Housing
- Assess fully completed housing applications and let applicants know the outcome in writing, including details on how to request a review of the decision.
- Ensure access to practical assistance with making an online application for housing (this includes for transfer cases) and to access online mutual exchange services, where needed.
- Let our properties in a fair and transparent way through our Choice Based lettings scheme and in accordance with our published Allocations Policy Housing Allocations Policy – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council.
- Have and maintain a Tenancy Policy Tenancy Policy – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council which clearly sets out the type of tenancies that we offer and in what circumstances as well as associated rights.
- Make best use of our properties ensuring the needs of housing applicants are meet as far as reasonably practical this includes ensuring any adapted homes go to those that need these adaptations.
- Setting aside money from the Housing Revenue Account to deliver adaptations in line with the Disabled Facilities Grant process and continue to fund in-house Occupational Therapist to ensure residents that are registered or registrable as disabled continue to live independently in their homes Disabled Adaptations Council Properties – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council.
- Provide a Tenant Incentive Scheme Tenants Incentive Scheme 2024 onwards – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council to support under-occupiers to downsize.
- Take tenancy fraud seriously and investigate any cases of suspected fraud whether they are reported to us or where we have reason to believe that the tenant is not living in the property, has sublet it, or obtained the tenancy fraudulently for example through false information.
- Fund a mutual exchange service to help those who want to move as an alternative or additional option to a transfer. Currently this is through HomeSwpper HomeSwapper providing free access for our tenants to the largest national scheme.
- Offer appropriate advice and housing options for those effected by domestic abuse and serious crime. This may include accessing our Sanctuary Scheme. Support Services – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council
- Undertake tenancy audit visits, including to detect any potential tenancy fraud, as well as identifying any: support needs, repairs needed, unauthorised improvement works or keeping of pets without permission.
- Provide and explain the importance of your tenancy conditions at sign-up and offer options for translation or for our tenancy agreement to be provided in a format that meets your needs.
- Have a Tenants and Leaseholders Housing & Support Strategy Tenants and Leaseholders Housing & Support Strategy – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council which sets out how we support tenants to sustain their tenancies.
- Offer tenancy support, arrears and budgeting advice and support to access other services through our in-house Tenancy Support Officer and Tenancy Sustainment Officer to residents at risk of losing their tenancy.
- Provide at sign-up, information and advice to new tenants with paying rent as well as on home safety and landlord and tenant responsibilities in keeping the home and if applicable any communal areas safe. As well as details on accessing our tenants/leaseholders handbooks. Tenants Guide – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council and Retirement Living Leaseholders Handbook – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council
- Visit new tenants in their new home within 6 weeks of the start of the tenancy, to ensure they are settling in and reminding them of their roles and responsibilities.
Carry out at the 6-week review (if not before) a wellbeing assessment for residents living in Retirement Living. Developing a tailored plan as a result with the tenant/leaseholder which is kept under review.