Applying for a housing association home
For the most part, you should apply for a housing association property through local council. You may need to apply directly to certain housing organisations as they may have their own waiting lists. Request a list of housing associations with open waiting lists from your council. Applications are accepted from many housing associations. Visit Gov.uk to learn more about housing association tenancies.
What is housing disrepair?
A building or other structure that is in bad condition as a result of neglect is said to be in disrepair. If your home is "in disrepair," it means that work must be done before it can be considered safe for habitation. 'Common Repairs' addressed many other areas of your property that are in disrepair, but these can also include:
- Structure – damage to the walls, ceilings, floors and roof
- Damp and mould – Your landlord must deal with damp and mould problems that are caused by disrepair or make the property unfit to live in.
- Gas – Your landlord must arrange gas safety checks every year
- Electricity – Your landlord must make sure that wiring, plug sockets and any electrical appliances they provide are safe.
- Fire Safety – Your landlord must install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where needed.
- Hygiene – Your landlord must give you access to working toilets, basins and sinks
- Pests – Your landlord must carry out any repairs needed to stop pests getting in to your home
- Heating – Your landlord must give you access to hot water and heating
What is a complaint?
A complaint is a resident's way of voicing their displeasure with their landlord's level of service, acts, or inaction.
You can file a complaint with your landlord to let it know what you believe went wrong if you have reported an issue to it and you do not believe it has acted appropriately or responded suitably.
A complaint should be addressed in accordance with the landlord's complaint policy; it is not a request for services.
What is a service request?
Residents can request corrections from their landlord by submitting a service request. You should notify your landlord of any problems you are having in your house. It is your landlord's responsibility to inform you of its response to the report you have made and to outline the steps it will take.
If you're not happy with how your landlord handled a service request, you can use the information on this page to effectively complain to them.