The Association operates a common housing application form with 6 other housing organisations across the East End of Glasgow. Each organisation is independent, owned by the local community, employing staff and managed by a Management Committee of local residents. You can download a copy of a map showing the areas covered by each organisation here.
The aims of the groups are:
To be fair, efficient and consistent in allocating Tenancies. This means treating applicants with similar characteristics in a similar manner to achieve similar outcomes.
To improve access to socially rented housing by providing a one-stop approach to applications, information and advice on the range of options for socially rented housing in Greater Easterhouse.
To gain a better understanding of the housing needs of the area and the opportunity to improve strategic planning.
WHAT IS A COMMON HOUSING APPLICATION?
A Common Housing Application gives you the opportunity to apply for rehousing with several organisations, but you are only required to complete one application form, you indicate which organisations you want to apply to. A copy of the Application Form may be downloaded by following this link.
HOW WILL MY APPLICATION BE ASSESSED?
Each organisation has its own Allocation Policy. This will involve assessing each application and using a points system to award priority based on a number of criteria known as "housing need". Different organisations may have different criteria and they may award different levels of points for those criteria. Points will normally be awarded if, for example:
• you are overcrowded
• you are homeless
• your medical needs would be met if you move to another house
• you share basic facilities with another household
Full details of each organisation's Allocation Policy and points system is available from their office, on request.
WILL I GET ON THE HOUSING LIST?
Each applicant has a right to be admitted to a housing list, however, each organisation will determine which list you will be admitted to and will advise you accordingly.
This will depend on a number of circumstances including:
• your own circumstances
• the type of house you need
• the type of house you want
• the needs and preferences of other applicants
• the availability of houses to let
• the funding available to build new houses or improve existing stock.
IF I AM ACCEPTED ON TO A LIST, WHEN WILL I BE OFFERED A HOUSE?
This is always a difficult question to answer and inevitably the decision will be based on the criteria mentioned above. Although you are free to choose areas, streets, floor levels, it is very important not to restrict your options to particular streets or property types. The wider you keep your option the quicker you may secure an offer.
All the housing providers will endeavour to provide a timescale, in which they believe they will be in a position to make you an offer, However, you must be aware that this is not an exact science and it is only an indication.
INFORMATION ON ALLOCATION SYSTEMS
Each housing organisation operates its own system and all organisations have several waiting lists, there are some key points that are relevant to them all.
Points System
In normal circumstances the applicant with the highest points would be offered the property. However, the applicant may not wish that particular property. The Co-operative / Housing Association would then look for the next applicant on that list.
Allocation policies are not just about matching applicants to properties. It is also about the successful integration of households into the local community. This means greater attention must be paid to a wide range of complex needs, at the same time ensuring the long-term stability of the community.
The organisations reserve the right to allocate to a lower priority case, if by letting to the high priority case would exacerbate a specific problem, such as increased child density, or lifestyle clashes.
HOME VISITS
Before an organisation makes an offer they will normally visit your home. The purpose of the visit is to check that the information you have provided in your application is accurate. The housing officer will discuss your application with you to ensure that we are aware of your needs and aspirations.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM MADE AN OFFER?
Before an offer will be made the organisation will make enquiries with your current or previous landlords regarding:
• your rent account
• your tenancy in general, which would include anti-social complaints.
A formal offer of housing will normally be in writing and you will be invited to view the house before deciding whether you wish to accept.
If you accept, you will be required to sign a Tenancy Agreement, which details your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. A Housing Officer will explain the document in detail prior to you signing.
WHAT IF I AM UNHAPPY ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH MY HOUSING APPLICATION IS BEING PROCESSED?
Each organisation will operate its own allocation policy. Unfortunately it is inevitable that some applicants will be unhappy with a decision and may wish to appeal. If you are unhappy with a decision you should in the first instance discuss the matter with the officer involved in the decision and if you remain unsatisfied they will inform you of the appeals procedure.
If you wish to make a complaint about the way in which your application has been handled, you will be asked to follow the provider's Complaints procedure. This is available from all offices. You can of course seek advice from independent sources such as solicitors, Citizens Advice Bureau or Social Work department.