Durham Key Options - Local Lettings

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Local Lettings

In some cases a partner landlord may introduce a Local Lettings Policy to ensure good management of stock. For example:-

Areas where housing is in short supply
To ensure balanced communities and prevent anti-social behaviour
To take into account rural or city centre related issues with regard to demand and affordability

In cases where a local lettings policy exists this will be noted on the advert. Details of areas covered by local lettings policies can be found below.

Accent Foundation

Local Lettings Policy

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Horden Numbered Streets (Third to Thirteenth)
Horden Named Streets (Tees, Warren, Eden, Hamilton, Handley, Grant, Cowell, South Terrace, North Ave, South East View).

Encompassing 175 two bedroom and 45 three bedroom terraced houses.

BACKGROUND

The properties in Horden are in Year 3 of the Easington Refurbishment Project, to bring them up to the Decent Home Standard. Works include replacement kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and damp proofing. The objectives of this Local Lettings Policy are to increase customer retention, develop a balanced and sustainable community, and to provide young people with the skills to maintain a tenancy

CRITERIA

Letting priority will be given to families. This will be done by applying a"families only" restriction on the first CBL bidding cycle. Any subsequent cycles will be open to all applicants.
Direct Let Transfers will be offered to Accent tenants to move amongst the Horden streets. Their vacated property can then be let through the CBL quota system.
All new tenants under the age of 25 and that have not previously held a tenancy, or any other new tenant the Neighbourhood Team determine require support, to complete an Independent Living Skills course. Failure to complete the course satisfactorily could lead to serving a Section 21 notice, giving two months notice to end the tenancy.

EFFECTIVE DATE

1st April 2012

Cestria Community Housing

Local Lettings Policy

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

All Cestria Community Housing properties

BACKGROUND

As part of the transfer agreement signed by the then Chester Le Street District Council it was agreed that Cestria would award a priority for housing to those applicants who can prove a local connection to the geographical area covered by Cestria Community Housing.

CRITERIA

All Cestria Community Housing properties will be allocated to those with a local connection to the geographical area covered by Cestria Community Housing who successfully bid for a property under the Durham Key Options scheme.

Cestria will advertise to the advertised priority bands first. Within those bands they will allocate to an applicant with a local connection before an applicant without. If there are no bids received from applicants in the advertised band or there are no applicants remaining on the shortlists in the advertised bands Cestria will allocate to applicants in the next band as per the allocations policy. If this scenario occurs Cestria will again allocate to applicants with a local connection first then to applicants without.

Examples:

Cestria advertise a property in Bands A & B. There is no applicant in Band A so Cestria will look at Band B. Within Band B there are two applicants, one has a local connection and the other hasn't. Cestria will allocate to the applicant with a local connection.
Cestria advertise a property in Bands A & B. There are no applicants in either bands so Cestria will allocate to applicants in Band C. Within Band C there are two applicants, one with a local connection and one without. Cestria will allocate to the applicant with a local connection.
Cestria advertise a property in Bands A & C. There are no applicants in these bands. In line with the allocation policy Cestria would go to any applicants in Group B and allocate to any applicant in Band B with a local connection.

The definition of local connection is the same as laid out in the Durham Key Options Allocation Policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from October 2010 and will be in place as long as Cestria Community Housing are a partner of Durham Key Options.

Dale and Valley Homes

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

17no new build properties comprising of 12 no 3 bedroom houses and 5 no 2 bedroom houses situated on Greenside Place, Crook.

CRITERIA

When an applicant or member of the applicants' household (and who is to be re-housed with the applicant) is aged 60+ and/or has a medical need for level access accommodation and is:

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the datethat they left the area

and/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

and/or

In continuos full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

*part time work means a minimum of 16 hours per week

Applicants will be shortlisted(within the band) with preference given to local connection and thereafter the date of application. Where there are no bids received from applicants who fulfil the local connection criteria with Band A or the advertised preference band, applicants (with local connection) within the next eligible band will be considered and so on. Where there are no bids received from applicants with a local connection the property will be allocated in line with the shortlisting criteria specified in the Durham Key Options Lettings Policy.

This local lettings policy will apply to the first lets of properties in this development, subsequent lets will be in accordance with the Durham Key Options lettings policy. The age/medical criteria will apply to all initial and subsequent lets.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from 1st March 2011

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed to ensure that it is still appropriate on an annual basis

Local Lettings Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

50no new build properties comprising of 46 no 2 bedroom apartments and 4 no 2 bedroom bungalows situated on Park Avenue Close, Crook.

CRITERIA

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the datethat they left the area

and/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

and/or

In continuos full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

*part time work means a minimum of 16 hours per week

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from 1st March 2011

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed to ensure that it is still appropriate on an annual basis

Derwentside Homes

Derwenstside Homes do not currently operate a local lettings policy on any of their housing stock.

Durham City Homes

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

9no New build properties comprising of 4no 3 bedroom houses and 5no 2 bedroom houses, situated on Colliery Road, Bearpark

CRITERIA

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the area

and/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

and/or

In continuous full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

*part time work means a minimum of 2 full days per week

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from August 2010

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed to ensure that it is still appropriate on an annual basis.

Local Lettings Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

5no New Build properties comprising of 3 bedroom houses only, situated on Robson Crescent, Bowburn.

CRITERIA

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the area

and/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

and/or

In continuous full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

*part time work means a minimum of 2 full days per week

Applicants will be shortlisted(within the band) with preference given to local connection and thereafter the date of application. Where there are no bids received from applicants who fulfil the local connection criteria with Band A or the advertised preference band, applicants (with local connection) within the next eligible band will be considered and so on. Where there are no bidsreceived from applicants with a local connection the property will be allocated in line with the shortlisting criteria specified in the Durham Key Options Lettings Policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from August 2010

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed to ensure that it is still appropriate on an annual basis.

Local Lettings Policy 3

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

8no New Build properties, comprising of 2no 2 bedroom houses and 6no 3bedroom houses, situated in Wayside, Croxdale.

CRITERIA

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the area

and/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

and/or

In continuous full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

*part time work means a minimum of 2 full days per week

Applicants will be shortlisted(within the band) with preference given to local connection and thereafter the date of application. Where there are no bids received from applicants who fulfil the local connection criteria with Band A or the advertised preference band, applicants (with local connection) within the next eligible band will be considered and so on. Where there are no bidsreceived from applicants with a local connection the property will be allocated in line with the shortlisting criteria specified in the Durham Key Options Lettings Policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from August 2010

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed to ensure that it is still appropriate on an annual basis.

Local Lettings Policy 4

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

6no New Build properties, comprising of 2no 2 bedroom houses and 4no 3 bedroom houses, situated on Coalfield Lane, High Pittington.

CRITERIA

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the area

and/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

and/or

In continuous full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

*part time work means a minimum of 2 full days per week

Applicants will be shortlisted(within the band) with preference given to local connection and thereafter the date of application. Where there are no bids received from applicants who fulfil the local connection criteria with Band A or the advertised preference band, applicants (with local connection) within the next eligible band will be considered and so on. Where there are no bidsreceived from applicants with a local connection the property will be allocated in line with the shortlisting criteria specified in the Durham Key Options Lettings Policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy will be effective from August 2010

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed to ensure that it is still appropriate on an annual basis.

East Durham Homes

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Peterlee – 2 bed houses (except for properties in the letting areas Acre Rigg 1b and Chapel Hill 2)

CRITERIA

Single applicants within the Peterlee area (exceptions as outlined above) will not be considered for a two bedroom house. Such applicants will only be considered for bedsits, one bed flats, two bed flats and two bed maisonettes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

April 2009

Local Lettings Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

All 2 bedroom bungalows within East Durham Homes' stock

CRITERIA

Single applicants will not be considered for a 2 bedroom bungalow, except in circumstances where they are a permanent wheelchair user or have an established over night carer, and a 1 bedroom bungalow would be unsuitable.

EFFECTIVE DATE

April 2009

livin

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Properties within the following area will be allocated via this Local Lettings Policy:-

Morpeth Close, Ferryhill (flats only)
Faulkner Road, Newton Aycliffe (2 blocks of flats)
York Hill, (York Hill Crescent, Tweed Road, St Davids Close), Spennymoor
Lilac, Spruce, Almond Laurel, Aspen Courts, Shildon

CRITERIA

Properties within the specified areas will be let in line with the following criteria:-

Preference will be given to applicants over the age of 25 years.

Applicants under the age of 25 will only be considered for a flat in the area if they have agreed to tenancy support from a recognised agency for a minimum period of 6 months

REVIEWED 2010

Local Lettings Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

47 New build properties at the following sites:-

Baliol Road, Newton Aycliffe development: 8 x 2 bed houses
Neile Road, Newton Aycliffe development: 3 x 2 bed bungalows
Clarence Corner, Newton Aycliffe development: 6 x 2 bed houses
Pease Way, Newton Aycliffe development: 6 x 2 bed houses
Thirlmere Road, Ferryhill: 5 x 2 bed houses & 4 x 3 bed houses
Sycamore Road (since renamed Diamond Close) Fishburn development: 6 x 3 bed houses, 7 x 2 bed houses & 2 x 2 bed bungalows

CRITERIA

Applicants must have a local connection to the areas stated below:

Newton Aycliffe developments

Newton Aycliffe
Aycliffe Village
Middridge

Ferryhill development

Ferryhill
Chilton
West Cornforth

Fishburn development

Fishburn
Sedgefield
Trimdon Village
Trimdon Station
Trimdon Colliery
Bishop Middleham

Local connection is defined as:

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the area

And/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years

And/or

In continuous full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

And/or

Part time work means a minimum of 2 full days per week.

If no applicants with a local connection to the areas specified have bid, priority will be awarded to applicants currently resident in the livin boundary area.

EFFECTIVE DATE

April 2012

Teesdale Housing Association

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Barnard Castle
Middleton in Teesdale
Stainton Grove & Village
Staindrop
Cotherstone
Romaldkirk
Eggleston
Mickleton
Bowes
Ingleton
Startforth
Gainford

CRITERIA

When an applicant or member of the applicants' household (who is to be re-housed with the applicant) has;

Lived in Teesdale continuously for at least the 2 years prior to the date of application
Been in continuous full or part time work* in Teesdale for at least the last 2 years prior to the date of application
Been assessed under the Common Lettings Policy as having a hardship/welfare need which would be alleviated by re-housing within the Teesdale area
Lived continuously in Teesdale for at least the last 2 years prior to being accepted as homeless but has been placed in temporary accommodation outside of Teesdale

Applicants will be shortlisted with preference given to local connection and thereafter date of application. Where there are no bids received from applicants who fulfil the local connection criteria within Band A or the advertised preference band, applicants (with local connection) within the next eligible band will be considered and so on. Where no applicants with a local connection have bid for a property the shortlisting process will apply in line with the Common Lettings Policy.

*excluding seasonal work

* part time work means a minimum of 16 hours per week

EFFECTIVE DATE

1st April 2009

Local Lettings Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Feather Stone Rise, Cotherstone

CRITERIA

Priority will be given to a person who:

has immediately prior to allocation been a resident of the Parish of Cotherstone in the former District of Teesdale for at least two years and whose accommodation is unsuitable for his or her circumstances lacking separate accommodation or living in a socially unacceptable standard of accommodation.

Households including persons employed or with a firm offer of full time employment within the Parish
Elderly or disabled people who were born or who have a member of family living within the District.
Dependents or persons living within a related Parish or a parish within the former Teesdale District.

If a dwelling remains unlet for a period of three weeks from it becoming available then the let shall be offered to a person residing in the Parishes of Mickleton, Romaldkirk, Lartington, Hunderthwaite and Egglestone.

If the dwelling remains unlet for a further period of three weeks then it may be let to a person residing in any Parish within the former Teesdale District providing they meet the following criteria:-

The applicant or member of their family already reside in the former Teesdale District.
Households including persons employed or with a firm offer of full time employment within the Parish
Elderly or disabled people who were born or who have a member of family living within the District.
Dependents or persons living within a related Parish or a parish within the District of Teesdale.

If no person/s satisfying the requirements of the above sub-clauses is found in accordance with the provisions and subject to the timescales as set out above bid for the property, the relevant Affordable Housing Unit may be disposed to any person in need of affordable housing.

EFFECTIVE DATE

March 2008.

Registered Provider Policies

Isos Housing

Local Lettings Policy

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Properties within the following area will be allocated via this Local Lettings Policy:-

12 new two and three bedroom properties at College View, Esh Winning

CRITERIA

Properties within the specified area will be let in line with the following criteria:-

When an applicant or member of the applicant's household (who is to be rehoused with the applicant is;

Currently resident in the area or; has left the area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the area

And/or

Currently resident outside of the area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the area for at least 2 years
In continuous full or part time work* in the area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

And/or

Part time work means a minimum of 2 full days per week.

* This criteria will not apply to a property/area which is subject to a section 106 Planning Agreement

EFFECTIVE DATE

All local letting policies will be reviewed on the 1^st April on an annual basis.

Housing Hartlepool

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Initial let of 20 new build houses at Saxon Park, Peterlee (11 x 3 bed, 9 x 2 bed). Properties situated in Johnson Close, Fairburn Road and Crawford Avenue.

CRITERIA

Prioritisation as per Durham Key Options CBL scheme with additional criteria:

Minimum of 40% of lettings will be made to tenants in employment (classed as working 16 hours per week or more in at least 6 of last 12 months).

EFFECTIVE DATE

May 2011

Local Lettings Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Hutton Grove, Haswell (12 x 3 bed houses, 8 x 2 bed houses)

CRITERIA

Prioritisation as per Durham Key Options CBL scheme with additional criteria:

No more than 7 properties to be let to existing social housing tenants transferring within Haswell.

Of the remaining properties, 50% let to tenants in employment (defined as working 16 hours per week or more for at least 6 of last 12 months).

EFFEECTIVE DATE

May 2011

Riverside Housing Group

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

A mix of 2, 3 and 4 beds houses and 2 bed apartments; totalling 20 new build properties altogether.

CRITERIA

Durham County Council has 100% nomination rights on the first allocation of the development. All 20 properties will be allocated through Durham Key Options. It has been agreed that Riverside will endeavour to allocate 100% of the properties available to rent to applicants who fulfil a local connection to the area.

Riverside will first offer the property to an eligible occupier within the sub-area of the parishes of Blackhill, Benfieldside, Consett North and Ebchester.
If there are no suitable applicants within the sub-district then eligible applicants within the district of Derwentside will be shortlisted next in turn.
After this, all suitable applicants within County Durham will be considered.

EFFECTIVE DATE

February 2013

Tristar Housing

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Initial let of 15 new build houses at Paddock Close, Chilton (10 x 3 bed, 5 x 2 bed)

CRITERIA

Prioritisation as per Durham Key Options CBL scheme with additional criteria:

Minimum of 50% of lettings will be made to tenants in employment, (classed as working 16 hours per week or more, in at least 6 of last 12 months).
Good tenant record/no history of anti-social behaviour also required.

EFFECTIVE DATE

February 2013

Other Registered Providers Policies

ISOS

ISOS may occasionally 'skip' applicants who have been nominated to them by Durham County Council through the Durham Key Options scheme. They will only do this in line with the Registered Provider's Nomination Agreement and in conjunction with their own allocations policy. Please click on the link to view their policy: Isos Policy

Durham Aged Miners' Homes (DAMHA)

DAMHA amended their allocations policy in 2012, to ensure that only applicants of pensionable age will be granted a tenancy for one of their properties. In line with this, Durham County Council will now only nominate applicants to DAMHA, that are of pensionable age. Applicants under this age, even if they would normally be eligible for certain properties due to a medical assessment, will be skipped on any shortlist accordingly. To view this policy, please click here: DAMHA Policy