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Other Housing Options

There is a high demand for social housing across the Tees Valley, which means that we cannot help everyone that applies to the scheme.

You may, therefore, want to explore other housing solutions, which provide a quicker route in meeting your housing needs in the short or long term.

This section gives you more information about other housing options that are available to you when you register on the scheme.

Renting from Registered Social Landlords (RSLs)

RSLs provide properties to rent for people in housing need.  Some RSLs also offer low cost home ownership schemes for first time buyers or for people on low incomes. RSLs are funded and regulated by the Housing Corporation and operate on a not for profit basis.

There are a number of RSLs operating across the Tees Valley and the type of accommodation they offer varies, with some of them specialising in accommodation for people with specific needs e.g. older people, young single people, people with physical disabilities, mental health or substance abuse problems.

RSLs play a big part in meeting the housing needs of people in the Tees Valley.  Most of the RSLs operating across the sub region will advertise approximately 50% of their vacancies on the scheme to enable the relevant local authorities to put forward people that have made a successful bid; this is called a nomination.

On occasion, some of the RSLs will choose to advertise more than 50% of their vacancies on the scheme, but may decide to operate their own allocation policies, which differ from the common allocation policy used by the partner organisations.

The property adverts will clearly state which RSL is advertising the property and who is eligible to apply.

If you are interested in renting a housing association property or want to find out more information about the RSLs operating in the Tees Valley, click registered social landlord partners to find their contact details.

Homebuy

Low cost home ownership options, such as new build shared ownership properties will be advertised on the scheme for those people that meet the eligibility criteria set by the Government.  Your income must be at a certain level to qualify.  To find out more information about the various Homebuy products that are available, please click here Homebuy.

 

Time2Buy

Time2Buy has been chosen to deliver the Government’s HomeBuy schemes across County Durham and Tees Valley from 2009–2011.

Time2Buy is run by Stockton Borough Council, Fabrick Housing Group, Housing Hartlepool and Endeavour Housing Association, bringing together a wide range of experience and skills in delivering affordable housing to enable people to get a foot on the ladder or buy a home appropriate for their needs.

Time2Buy is a first point of contact for anyone who cannot afford to buy a home on the open market and offers a range of affordable options.

Please click here to find out more information time2buy

              

 

Renting from Private Landlords

Private renting may be the ideal solution if you are looking to move quickly or if are looking for accommodation to rent in the short term.

Private landlord vacancies will be advertised through the scheme and will be offered as assured shorthold tenancies, usually for a fixed period of 6 months.  The landlord has the right to end the tenancy after the fixed period has expired; however the tenancy can be extended for another fixed period providing the landlord and tenant are in agreement.

Private landlords reserve the right to choose the types of tenants for their properties, whether or not these tenants have a housing need. This is because private landlords do not have to let their properties in the same way as social housing providers, who must by law, ensure the majority of their vacancies are let to those in the greatest housing need.

You can also approach estate agents and local letting agencies for details about private landlords or you can look in your local newspaper or property paper. You should be aware that letting agencies may charge you for finding a property and other services like drawing up a tenancy agreement.

Please study your tenancy agreement to check what repairs and maintenance your landlord is responsible for.  If your landlord refuses to carry out any repairs, please contact your local council or the citizens advice bureau.

Private rented accommodation is usually more expensive than social rented housing. Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance is available to help with the cost but it may not cover the full rent. You can contact your local council to find out if you qualify.

The majority of private landlords will ask you to pay a deposit before giving you the tenancy.  If you experience any difficulties in finding the deposit, you can contact your local council to see if they can offer any assistance through a rent deposit scheme.  However not all councils operate this scheme, so you may have to find the deposit yourself.

Please use this link http://www.darlington.gov.uk/Housing/Private+Landlords+and+Tenants/Landlord+Accreditation+Scheme  for more information on Darlington Borough Council Housing Options.  You will find a list of accredited landlords and their contact details.