8583 - Herts & USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:17 Page 2

Version 1 12/11/07

O SCHEME USER GUIDE

Information and guidance on accessing and using the HomeOption Scheme in Brentwood, Epping Forest and .

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Contents Welcome to HomeOption PAGE 2 SCHEME Welcome to HomeOption PAGE 3 Translations USER GUIDE Landlord Contact Details PAGES 4-5 How the Scheme Works PAGES 6-8 Brentwood - Summary of Points HomeOption gives more choice about where you want to live. In the past the PAGE 9 Council or Housing Association would Brentwood - Which Properties can I make an expression of interest for? make an offer of accommodation when your turn had been reached in an area of PAGES 10-11 your choice. Now you will have the chance Epping Forest - Summary of Banding to express an interest in a property which PAGE 12 is suitable for your needs when it Epping Forest - Which Properties can becomes available. I make an expression of interest for? PAGES 13-14 Existing Council and Housing Association tenants who Uttlesford - Summary of Points have registered to transfer to another home can use PAGE 15 HomeOption to find one. Homeseekers can also use HomeOption to find a home. Every fortnight HomeOption Uttlesford - Which Properties can I make produces a freesheet, which advertises the available an expression of interest for? Council and Housing Association homes within the three PAGES 16-17 local authority areas. Distribution Outlets PAGE 18 You can look at the adverts and make an expression of interest for any properties you would like to be The Adverts considered for. A summary of who can express an PAGE 19 interest, and how to express an interest can be found Making your choice on the Internet in this Guide. PAGE 20 Making your choice by Post Councils and Housing Associations in the HomeOption scheme will generally only allocate empty properties to PAGE 21 people who have made an expression of interest through Making your choice by Text Message HomeOption. HomeOption gives you more choice about PAGES 22-23 where you want to live. It also gives you a better idea of Making your choice by Telephone what is available in your area. In each edition you can see how homes in the previous editions were let by PAGE 24 turning to the feedback page. You can also see what Ordering your Coupons by Telephone level of priority the successful applicant had and how PAGE 25 long they waited for a new home. Understanding the Feedback If you would like to find out more about how to use PAGES 26-27 HomeOption to express an interest for a home you Alternative Housing should contact your Council Housing Department. PAGE 28 Contact details for Councils are available in this Guide, HomeOption General Information the HomeOption freesheet and also at www.homeoption.org

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HomeOption is committed to helping all those registered to access the scheme. If you would like assistance or have any specific requirements, please contact your Council Housing Department to discuss this. Some of the measures available are:

Large Print • Braille • Translation into other languages • Audio translations • One-to-one help from staff

Brentwood Albanian Borough Council

Bengali

Gaelic

Town Hall Gujarati Ingrave Road Brentwood Essex, CM15 8AY Italian Email: [email protected] 01277 312570 or Kurdish 01277 312569

Epping Forest District Mandarin Council

Polish

Portuguese Council Housing Directorate, Civic Offices Punjabi 323 High Street, Epping Essex, CM16 4BZ Email: Slovakian [email protected] 01992 564107

Somali Uttlesford District Council

Turkish

Urdu Council Offices Road Vietnamese Essex, CB11 4ER Email: [email protected] Welsh 01799 510510

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 3 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:17 Page 5 How the HomeOpti With the HomeOption scheme, instead of waiting to be offered a home you can express an interest in a property by using the HomeOption magazine and website. There are five steps for you to follow:

Step 1 – Membership

You are automatically a member of HomeOption if you are an existing tenant of any of the participating Councils or Housing Associations and have registered for a transfer with your local Council or if you are on the participating Councils’ Housing Register as a homeseeker (listed on page 3)

Step 2 – Registration Once your Council has accepted you onto their You must keep your Housing Department informed register, HomeOption will write to you to give of any changes to your household, medical you a HomeOption Identification Number (HOIN condition, housing situation or circumstances. number) and will tell you which band you have This is very important as it could result in been placed in and your priority date or how changing your band, points or your eligibility. many points you have been awarded. (see pages 6-8 for Brentwood, pages 10-11 for Epping Forest & pages 13-14 for Uttlesford).

Step 3 – Choosing

Available properties are advertised in a fortnightly This is your individual number so do not give your freesheet called ‘HomeOption’. coupons to anyone else. (See page 20 for instructions on how to complete your coupon). You The adverts give you information about each can request more coupons by telephoning 0906 property available for letting. You can pick up a 2942038, or by going to the HomeOption website. freesheet from various places, including civic centres, housing offices and libraries. These are On the web Go to www.homeoption.org and listed on pages 16-17. The HomeOption freesheet logon with your HOIN number and date of birth. is also available on the website; go to (See page 19 for instructions on making your www.homeoption.org expressions of interest by internet). Once you have your fortnightly copy of the By telephone Call 08707 270460 and follow the HomeOption freesheet you will be able to express instructions. (See pages 22-23 for instructions on an interest for a maximum of 3 properties in making your expressions of interest by telephone). each edition. By text Text 07781 472 726 (see page 21 for You can make an expression of interest in the instructions on making your expressions of following four ways: interest by text). By postal coupon We send blank coupons direct to The freesheet is usually published every other you with your registration pack. Each coupon will Friday. Your expressions of interest must reach have your name and HOIN number printed on it. us by 1pm the following Wednesday.

Page 4 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:17 Page 6 tion scheme works Step 4 – Offer

HomeOption puts the expressions of interest be taken because you have refused a property. received, for each property advertised, in priority order to produce a list of eligible applicants for Many landlords invite more than one applicant to each property. view their properties at the same time, although the property is always offered first to the The landlord of each property offers from the list applicant with the highest priority who attends after making further eligibility checks. Following the viewing. these checks if your name is still at the top of the ‘priority list’, you will normally be invited to If you are at the top of more than one list, the view the property. If you refuse this property, the landlord will decide which property to offer next person on the priority list will be invited to you and the other properties will be offered view the property. elsewhere. You may not automatically be penalised for If you receive an offer to view but you do not refusing properties you have chosen. Your wish to or are unable to attend you must contact Council/landlord will advise you if any action will the landlord.

Step 5 – Feedback

You do not need to contact your Council or People who have come top of a shortlist are Housing Association to find out if you have been usually contacted within a week of the closing successful as once properties have been let they date. However, a lot of properties are advertised are listed on the “Feedback” page of a future some time before they are ready for occupation. HomeOption freesheet (see page 25 for an If a person who was top of the list refuses, the example of the feedback). next person who was on the list may be invited The feedback tells you how many people to view some weeks after the closing date. expressed an interest for each property, as well If you are offered a home you will not be as the band/points and registration date of the short-listed for other properties until you make successful applicant. a decision whether to accept or refuse the offer. This helps you to see how long the successful If you have questions about how the scheme applicants had been waiting. applies to you or about expressing an interest for properties, there are fully trained housing It is not possible to notify you individually when staff available to support you in your Housing your expressions of interest have been Department (see Council addresses and unsuccessful. telephone numbers on page 3).

HomeOption is a scheme which currently includes three Local Authority areas as follows: Brentwood, Epping Forest and Uttlesford. Each of the Local Authority Areas have their own Allocations Scheme which includes prioritising applicants by way of either a banding or points based scheme. Listed over are details of your own local authority’s allocations scheme.

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Brentwood - Summary of Points The POINTS Scheme HomeOption Brentwood aims to try and house those in greatest housing need. We use a points system based on applicant's circumstances to give a priority. Everybody on the Transfer list and Housing Register are awarded points based on the table below

Description Criteria Points awarded

Property Lack of facilities Conditions No inside WC 20 No bath/shower 20 No hot water 20 No piped water 20 No kitchen 15 No Heating 10 Shared Shared WC 10 Facilities Shared bathroom 10 Shared kitchen 10 Shared lounge 5 Statutory Statutory Overcrowded 45 Overcrowding Lack of Each bedroom short of that required for size and type of household 15 bedrooms (based on size of properties allocated) Condition of Closing or demolition order 95 Property Category 1 hazard as defined by the Housing Health and Safety Rating 50 System (HHSRS). This replaces the unfit standard. Gardens You live in a property without sole use of a garden 5 High rise accommodation 10 Medical and Category A 500 disability Category B 100 Circumstances Category C 30 Category D 10 Category E 0 Lacking Level 1 - Immediately able to remain but could receive short notice 5 Security/ to leave at any time. Homeless Main examples HM Forces, tied tenancy, AST, Institutional Care & Licence Agreement. Level 2 - Notice received to leave accommodation 95 or valid NTQ – 28 days notice from family which has been verified, e.g. you have received formal notice to leave your home but it is not immediately about to happen. Level 3 - You are homeless applicant owed a duty under Section 100 SD193 (2) or 195(2) (or the Housing Act 1985 equivalent) (Main duty to homeless or threatened). In this homeless group the points for level 1 and level 2 are added cumulatively.

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Description Criteria Points awarded

You are homeless (within the meaning of Part Vii of the Housing Act 25 1996) a person who does not have accommodation which is legally and physically available to occupy = covering single homeless/rough sleepers including residents of nightshelters. You are homeless applicants owed a duty under S190(2) = intentionally 50 homeless but in priority need or S192(3) = occupying accommodation secured at the Council’s discretion where not in priority need. Insecure You have been accepted as homeless and placed in any form of 10 accommodation temporary accommodation secured for you by Brentwood Borough Council and for every week spent in that accommodation. You have been accepted as statutorily homeless and are making your 5 own temporary arrangements and for every week spent as such. Supported The Supported Housing Scheme advises the tenant is ready for 200 Housing move-on accommodation and if required subject to Community Schemes Panel approval. (including Foyer move-on). Policy You fulfil the Council’s criteria on policy successions. 200 Succession Social and Level 1 - In extreme circumstances, normally on police advice for a 500 Welfare management move. Circumstances Level 2 - Where other caring agencies have made a strongly 100 supported referral. Level 3 - Including households where parents with dependants are 50 forced to live apart. Including households where two or more people aged 10 and over and of the opposite sex have to share a bedroom (excluding recognised partners). Level 4 - Including households where dependent children under 10 and of 20 the opposite sex share a bedroom. Or where two or more people over the age of 10 share a bedroom, other than as a couple Level 5 - Including households with dependent children. Including 10 households with a pregnant woman. Note: Other than in the inclusions above, your needs within this factor will be assessed according to the strength of support received from the other caring agencies e.g. Social Care, Education Welfare Services, Health Services. Every person For every person in excess of 2 sharing a room (every additional 10 in excess of person gets 10 points e.g. 2 further people = 20 points). two sharing Smaller Where a single or couple applicants with a first pregnancy or young 50 Properties child have requested a one bedroom property if it assisted with the (Transfer early resolution of acute housing need and a two bedroom applicants property was not advertised. only) Moving within You need to move to a particular locality in the district. Where 30 the District failure to move would cause hardship to yourself or others e.g. to give or receive care, to take up a particular employment or education opportunity.

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Description Criteria Points awarded

Violence and If you or a member of your household need to recover from the 40 threats of effects of violence (including racial attacks) or threats of violence violence or physical, emotional or sexual abuse and the allegations have been investigated and proven on a balance of probabilities. Local (Applies only to applicants joining the Housing Register) connection Living in the Brentwood Borough area and have done for 6 out of 30 the last 12 months or 3 years out of the last 5 years. You live outside the Council area and have an employment 15 connection of 16 hours or more per week in Brentwood. You are a key worker as defined by existing guidance 15 You live outside the area and have a strong family connection e.g. 15 you give or receive on going support from or to relatives. If you live outside the area and are elderly you will need to have 15 relatives who live in the Brentwood Borough area now and have done so for at least 5 years. If relatives have not lived here for 5 years then you will need to demonstrate the above criteria. If you are in the HM Forces you will need to be in regular service, 10 have a strong family or employment connection with Brentwood and have your position confirmed by the Commanding Officers of the relevant force. If your residence in the Brentwood Borough Council area was not obtained by choice e.g. due to a period of detention, hospitalisation or institutional care you will not be considered to have a local connection. Economic Subject to a full and detailed appraisal of an applicants individual 20 Circumstances financial circumstances where through unemployment or low income you are unable to maintain or secure accommodation in the private sector either rented or for sale. Each year on 15 the list Under (Existing Brentwood Council tenants and RSL tenants where Occupation Brentwood Borough Council nominated them to their RSL tenancy). Points are awarded for the size of the property you are vacating. 3 bedroom flat 180 2 bedroom flat 90 1 bedroom flat 45 4 bedroom house 200 3 bedroom house 180 2 bedroom house 150 1 bedroom house 90 2 bedroom bungalow 150 1 bedroom bungalow 45

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Which properties can I make an expression of interest for?

When choosing a property you are interested in, you need to consider a number of things:

Is the property designated for these properties but the advert will often say that homeseekers/transfers or both? priority will be given to applicants with mobility needs. Your expression of interest will not count if, for Pets: example, the property is for homeseekers only and Brentwood Council does allow pets in some of its you are a transferring tenant. accommodation, but you cannot have a pet in Is there an age restriction on the property? certain types of sheltered accommodation. Each of our Housing Association partners have different Some properties have a minimum age requirement, policies regarding pets so if you have a pet please for example, in some cases only people over 50 check the advert before making an expression of years of age can apply. interest. Accommodation which is designated as “Sheltered Circumstances where you may not be invited to

BRENTWOOD Housing” will usually only be available for applicants view a property: over 60 years of age.However there may be certain circumstances where younger applicants with Transfer Applicants support needs can be considered for sheltered • Your property has not passed a ‘home housing. If you are interested in sheltered housing inspection’. you will be visited by the Scheme Manager who will complete a ‘Sheltered Housing Assessment’ • Any rent account, whether for your home or form with you. garage has not been clear for six months immediately prior to making a successful Do you live in the right area to qualify for expression of interest. a property? • Any sundry debtor account or court costs Properties are advertised by Council area. To express account relating to the tenancy of your home an interest for a property in Brentwood, you must or garage is not clear. either be on Brentwood’s Housing Register or the Transfer list. HomeSeekers on the Housing Register Homeseekers can only express an interest for • If you owe money to the Council you will not be properties that are advertised with ‘H’ or with both invited to view a property until the debt is ‘H’ and ‘T’ icons. cleared. For more details please contact the Housing Needs Department. Tenants of Brentwood Council or Housing Association properties who are on the Council’s Before you express an interest in a property: Transfer list can only express an interest for Please look at the information in the advert very properties that are advertised with a ‘T’ or with both carefully to ensure you are making the right choice. ‘H’ & ‘T’ icon’. Expressing an interest inappropriately creates longer Some properties have a waiting times for others. mobility sign: How will I know if I have been offered? This is intended to provide a guide to people who You do not need to contact us. If you have come to have various levels of mobility needs. This does not the top of a shortlist we will usually contact you restrict anyone else from expressing an interest for within a week of the closing date.

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Epping ForestBand B– – Summary (Urgent Need toof Move) Banding HomeOption Epping Forest will, in accordance with its own Allocations Scheme, give priority to those with the greatest housing need. When you register, your application will be assessed and put into one of the following priority bands according to your current situation. Band 1

(a) Homeseekers with Council or housing six months after the date of their occupation association tenancies in the District in that property, where the Council has accepted wanting to move to accommodation a duty. with fewer bedrooms. Homeseekers in these three categories of (c) will be (b) Homeseekers living in the District for more than able to participate in the Choice Based Lettings a year immediately prior to application, needing Scheme for a period of eight weeks (four cycles of to move on strong medical or welfare grounds two weeks). If no successful expressions of interest or for reasons of disability. are made, the Council will make the applicant one offer of suitable secure accommodation. If the offer (c) Homeseekers accepted by Epping Forest District is refused, the Council’s homelessness duty to Council as homeless, eligible for housing provide accommodation will be discharged (no assistance, in priority need and not intentionally further offers will be made). homeless, who are living in: (d) Homeseekers living in the District for • Bed and breakfast accommodation secured by more than a year, immediately prior to the Council, but excluding those referred to application, who are living conditions that are another local housing authority*. insanitary, overcrowded or unsatisfactory. • The Council’s Homeless Persons Hostel, Norway (e) Homeseekers living on the SAFE (Single House or Women’s Refuge for three months after Accommodation for Epping Forest) project for the date of their homelessness decision**. at least nine months who are ready to move on, • Properties under the Council’s “Fresh Start” and the council has been notified of this by the scheme, “Brook Haven” or “Hemnall House” for multi-agency referral panel.

Band 2

(a) Homeseekers having to live apart from other (b) Homeseekers in the Council’s non-secure*** members of their household, due to lack of accommodation that have been accepted accommodation, where the applicant (or their by the Council as homeless, eligible for partner) has lived in the District for more housing assistance, in priority need and than a year immediately prior to application. not intentionally homeless. This excludes This excludes any household members applicants referred to another local living apart for personal reasons housing authority*. (i.e. family disputes).

Band 3

Homeseekers living in the District for more than a year immediately prior to application, or becoming homeless, or having no fixed address, and meeting two of the criteria of Band 4, one of which must be (a) or (b).

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Band 4 Homeseekers living in the District for more than a (d) Being of no fixed address. year immediately prior to application; or becoming homeless; or having no fixed address, and: (e) Sharing accommodation with another household. (a) Needing one or more additional bedrooms. (f) Being a household that includes a child under (b) Needing to move for disability, medical or the age of 15 and has no access welfare reasons (having been awarded to a garden. additional priority); or needing to move to a particular locality in the District, where failure (g) Being a household that includes a child to do so will result in them or others under the age of 5 and lives in a flat or suffering hardship. maisonette above ground floor. (c) Accepted by the Council as homeless and eligible for housing assistance, but not in priority need.

Band 5 (a) Homeseekers living in the District for less than (g) Homeseekers accepted by another local a year, or living outside the District, who live in housing authority as homeless and eligible for overcrowded, insanitary or unsatisfactory assistance, including those in temporary conditions. accommodation secured by another authority. (b) Homeseekers living in the District for less than (h) Homeseekers living in the District for less than a year, or outside the District, needing to move a year (or outside the District) sharing on medical, welfare or hardship grounds or for accommodation with another household, or reasons of disability. needing one or more additional bedrooms. (c) Homeless people over 60 years of age living in (i) A homeseeker with a child under 15, living in non-secure accommodation prior to receiving the District for less than a year (or living a decision**. outside the District), with no access to a (d) All homeless people (as classified by the garden. Housing Act 1996) who are not eligible for Bands 1 to 4. (j) A homeseeker with a child under 5, who has lived in the District for less than a year (or living (e) Single homeless people accommodated in bed outside the District), living in a flat or and breakfast hotels who, in the view of the maisonette above ground floor. Head of Housing Services, would benefit from the SAFE Project or the Floating Support (k) Homeseekers who, in the opinion of the Scheme. Council, have sufficient income or assets to enable them to purchase accommodation as (f) Homeseekers accepted by the Council as set out in paragraph 8.5 of the Council’s homeless, eligible for assistance and in priority Allocation Scheme. need, but found to have become homeless intentionally.

Band 6 Please note that where we refer to “the Council” this means Epping Forest District Council. “The District” means Epping Forest District. All other applicants * under Section 198 of the Housing Act 1996 ** under Section 184 of the Housing Act 1996 *** under Schedule 1 of the Housing Act 1985

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Which propertiesBand 4 can I make an expression of interest for?

When choosing a property you are interested in, you need to consider a number of things:

Is there an age restriction on the property? Pets

Some properties have a minimum age Epping Forest District Council does not allow requirement, for example, in some cases only pets in sheltered accommodation, with the people over 60 years of age can apply. Any exception of a caged bird or similar pet, which restriction will be indicated by the icon in the may be allowed with the written permission of property advert. the Council. In all its other accommodation, where a property has direct access to its own enclosed garden a pet animal such as a dog or a Sheltered Housing will generally be available for cat or similar will be allowed. Where there is no applicants over 60 years of age. If you are direct access to an enclosed garden, written interested in sheltered housing you will be visited permission must be sought. Permission may not by a Housing Officer who will undertake an be granted for certain breed of dogs

EPPING FOREST assessment of your needs.

Before you express an interest in a property Can I express an interest in properties in other areas? Check out the location of the property on a map to make sure it’s really a place you would You can only express an interest in areas where consider moving to. You may want to take into you are registered. If you wish to express an account whether the facilities within the property interest in a property in another district or meet with your requirements, for example it may borough you must be registered with them. You have a bath installed and you may prefer a can join as many registers as you wish although shower. You may also wish to take into account your priority may vary. matters like the availability of schools, closeness to family and friends, shops, public transport and other amenities you may need. Some properties have a mobility sign

How will I know if I have been offered a This is intended to provide a guide to people who property? have various levels of mobility needs. This does not restrict anyone else from expressing an interest, but priority will always be given to those You do not need to contact us. If you have come with mobility needs. to the top of a shortlist we will usually contact you within a week of the closing date.

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Uttlesford - Summary of Points HomeOption Uttlesford assesses the housing need of those accepted onto the Housing Register through the use of a points scheme. Homes are generally allocated according to the highest pointed applicant who is the most suitable match for the vacant property. Points are awarded as detailed below.

Description Criteria Points awarded

Homelessness Accepted by the Council as a vulnerable household, in priority need 15 (shortly to be homeless or actually homeless – including applicants placed into bed and breakfast by the Council)

Extra points if applicant or tenant is likely to be a victim of 2 violence/racial harassment (granted only if being dealt with as a homeless applicant)

As above but in Council temporary accommodation (not normally 10 suitable for the family) or subject to a “homeless at home” agreement

Acknowledged by the Council as homeless or shortly to be homeless, 8 but not in priority or not vulnerable or not intentionally homeless

Current notice of seeking possession/Notice to quit/Court summonses 5

Intentionally homeless 5

Rent Agriculture Act - where the Council has accepted a statutory 5 duty to re-house those in unsuitable housing

Unsuitable lacking a living room 2 Housing lacking bath or shower facilities 2

lacking a kitchen 3

lacking inside WC 3

lacking water supply 4

lacking electricity 4

lacking adequate heating 3

lacking hot water 2

lacking appropriate garden facilities for children 1

Lacking a bedroom or overcrowding. Points to be awarded if 2 parent (s), other adult members of the household, opposite sex children (where one is aged over 7 years) share the same bedroom. More than 2 same sex children sharing an inappropriate sized bedroom.

sharing living room 1

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Description Criteria Points awarded

sharing kitchen 1

sharing bathroom 1

sharing WC 1

property in disrepair (where applicant not responsible) 1 or 2

property unfit (follow environmental advice) 3 or 5

property has poor internal/external arrangements for the applicant (e.g. access to WC, difficult stairs etc) 1, 2 or 3

Elderly people under occupying accommodation 1

Medical Discretionary points to be awarded taking into account an applicant’s 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Grounds medical or welfare needs (as disclosed by the applicant and where alternative accommodation would benefit) consideration to be given to letters from GP’s and other agencies etc.

Extra points if medical condition is regarded as urgent. 2

Hardship/ Discretionary points to be awarded taking into account an applicant’s 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Welfare social welfare and employment needs (where alternative accommodation would benefit)

Violence/ Any applicant or tenant currently living in accommodation where 10 Harassment there is a risk of them becoming a victim of violence harassment (including racial) where alternative accommodation is required but where a homeless application has not been made to the Council.

UDC Tenants UDC tenants or RSL tenants (where UDC have nomination rights) and Nominated requesting more suitable accommodation resulting in better use of Tenants to the Council’s stock. (in addition to other points awarded) RSL’S • Need to move 8 • Request for more suitable accommodation 5

Local In the event of an Uttlesford residents application scoring any points Connection on the above, further points will be added to the application as follows: with UDC • Permanent resident in Uttlesford 4 • Extra permanent resident in UDC for more than the last 2 years 2 prior to application Other connections as follows: • If a non resident of UDC scores any needs points, extra points will 1 be added if they have full time employment in the Uttlesford District • Strong family connection within the Uttlesford District 2 • 15 years previous residence in Uttlesford as a juvenile 4 • Returning member of HM forces 4

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Which properties can I make an expression of interest for?

When choosing a property you are interested in, you need to consider a number of things:

Is the property designated for Pets: homeseekers/transfers or both? Uttlesford Council allows tenants to have pets as Anybody on the Uttlesford Housing Register may long as they do not cause a nuisance and express an interest in a property that they are annoyance to neighbours. Each of our Housing eligible for, therefore all properties will be advertised Association partners have different policies for both homeseekers and transferring applicants. regarding pets so if you have a pet please check the advert before making an expression of interest. Is there an age restriction on the property? Circumstances where you may not be invited to view a property: Properties designated as Sheltered Housing or Elderly Persons Accommodation will usually only UTTLESFORD Current Uttlesford tenants be available for applicants over 60 years of age. However there may be certain circumstances • You have rent arrears on your current rent where younger applicants with support needs account. can be considered for Sheltered Housing or • The condition of your property is not those with mobility needs can be considered for maintained in a satisfactory manner. Elderly Persons Accommodation. Before you are • You have a current Notice of Seeking offered Sheltered Accommodation it will be Possession for anti-social behaviour or any necessary for a Housing Officer to complete a other breach of your Conditions of Tenancy. Sheltered Housing Assessment with you. Some of our Housing Association partners may have Tenants of a Registered Social Landlord properties for specific age groups, please check the advert carefully to make sure you are eligible. • If, having made checks with your Housing Association, they are not satisfied with the Do you live in the right area to qualify for conduct of your current tenancy (i.e. arrears, a property? management issues or anti-social behaviour).

Properties are advertised by Council area. To Before you express an interest in a property: express an interest for a property in Uttlesford you must have a live application on our Please look at the information in the advert very Housing Register. carefully to ensure you are making the right choice. Expressing an interest inappropriately Some properties have a mobility sign: creates longer waiting times for others.

This is intended to provide a guide to people who How will I know if i have been successful? have various levels of mobility needs. This does not restrict anyone else from expressing an You do not need to contact us. If you have come interest for these properties but the advert will top of a shortlist we will usually contact you often say that priority will be given to applicants within a week of the closing date. with mobility needs.

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 15 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:17 Page 17 Distribution Points Copies of Freesheet are published every other Friday and are available free from the following places:

Brentwood

Brentwood Borough Council Coram Green Clinic • Town Hall, Ingrave Road, Brentwood • Coram Green, Hutton, Essex CM13 1LR Essex CM15 8AY The Foyer Library • Chindits Lane, Warley, Essex CM14 5LF • New Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4BP Brentwood Centre Connexions • Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9NN • The Hermitage, 15b Shenfield Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AG Pepperral House Citizens Advice Bureau • High Street, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4AJ • 10 Crown Street, Brentwood, Essex CM14 2BA Post Offices Mind • Blackmore Post Office, The Green, • 14 Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9AX Blackmore, Essex, CM4 0QH CMHT • Fairway Stores and Post office, Doddinghurst Road, Doddinghurst, Essex CM15 0QP • Lime Grove House, Geary Drive, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9DY • West Hordon Post Office, 1-3 Chafford Gardens, West Horndon, Essex CM13 3NJ Social Services • Ingatestone Sub Post Office, High Street, • Coptfold House, 2 New Road, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9ET Brentwood, Essex CM14 4BU • Herongate Village Stores, 156 Brentwood Road, Brentwood Community Clinic Herongate, Essex CM13 3PD • Highwood Hospital, Geary Drive, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9DY

Epping Forest

Epping Forest District Council • Leisure Centre, Traps Hill, Loughton, • Information Desk, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Essex IG10 1SZ Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ • Leisure Centre Broomstickhall • Area Housing Office (South) 63 The Broadway, Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1LF Loughton, Essex IG10 3SP • Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool Roundhills, • Limes Farm Housing Office, 661a Copperfield, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1UP , Essex IG7 5LA • Waltham Abbey Town Hall Highbridge Street, • Loughton Information Desk Loughton Library, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1DE Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1HD • Ongar Leisure Centre Fyfield Road, Ongar, Leisure Centres Essex CM5 OAN • Epping Leisure Centre 25 Hemnal Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4LX

Page 16 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:17 Page 18

Epping Forest (continued) Town and Parish Council Offices Libraries

• Loughton Town Council 1 Buckingham Court, • Ongar Library The Pleasance, High Road, Rectory Lane, Loughton, Ongar, Essex CM5 9AB Essex IG10 2QZ • Rural Communities Library Bus • Waltham Abbey Town Council, Waltham Abbey Town Hall, Highbridge Street, Other Locations Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1DE • Sheering News The Street, Sheering, • Parish Council Parish Offices, Bishops Stortford, Herts. CM22 7LR 62-64 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5BY • Nazeingbury News 12 Nazeingbury Parade, • North Weald Parish Council Queens Hall Nazeing Road, Nazeing, Essex EN9 2JL Community Centre, School Green Lane, • Tysea Stores Tysea Hill, Stapleford Abbots, North Weald, Essex CM16 6EJ Romford, Essex RM4 1JP

Uttlesford

Uttlesford District Council • 5 Crown Hill, Ashdon, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 2HA • Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4ER • Station Road, Felsted, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3DG

• Tourist Information Centre, 1 Market Square, • 1 Ambrose Corner, Robin Hood Road, Elsenham, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1HR Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM22 6EH

• Customer Information Centre, 46 High Street, • Dunmow Road, Takeley, Bishops Stortford, , Essex CM6 1AN Hertfordshire CM22 6SH

• Community Information Centre, 7 Town Street, Shops , Dunmow, Essex CM6 2LD • The Country Shop, Dunmow Road, Post Offices Leaden Roding, Dunmow CM6 1QB

• High Street, Newport, Saffron Walden, • Hatfield Broad Oak Stores, I High Street, Essex CB11 3QX Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LS • PO Stores, The Heath, Hatfield Heath, Bishops Stortford, Herts. CM22 7EB Pubs

• M&M Supermarket, Stortford Road, • The Red Cow, 11 High Street, Chrishall, Clavering, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4PE Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 8RN

• School Street, Great Chesterford, Saffron Walden, Petrol Stations Essex CB10 1NN • Total Stansted, 1 Road, • Lodges Garage, The Street, High Easter, Stansted, Essex CM24 8BX , Essex CM1 4QT

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 17 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 19 The Adverts

Key to advert symbols

Available for homeseekers only

Available for transferring tenants only

Available for homeseekers and transferring tenants

This shows the property has a lift

This shows the property has no lift

Number of bedrooms and property type

Sheltered housing (Defined by white background), you must have been assessed for sheltered housing

Property designed for people this age or above

Minimum and maximum number of people who can live in property

Floor level of property, if flat or maisonette

Number of bedrooms in the property

Mobility Group 1 - Suitable for wheelchair user indoors and outdoors (defined by symbol and white bar)

Mobility Group 2 - Suitable for people who cannot manage steps or stairs and may use a wheelchair some of the day (defined by symbol and white bar)

Mobility Group 3 - Suitable for people only able to manage 1 or 2 steps or stairs (defined by symbol and white bar)

Page 18 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 20

Expressions of Interest

Making your choice on the Internet

The quickest and easiest way to express an interest is through our website www.homeoption.org

Instructions are given on screen but you will need to know your unique HomeOption Identification Number (HOIN) and date of birth in order to log on.

On the website there is an online copy of the freesheet and as soon as you identify a property you can place an expression of interest. If you have made an expression of interest but then change your mind you can remove it (as long as the property cycle is still open). You can also view your choice history once you have logged on.

Our website www.homeoption.org

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 19 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 21

Making your choice by Post

• Your coupon has your name and your • You should put an X in the second HomeOption Identification Number column against the relevant second (HOIN) printed on it - please check digit of the reference number. that these details are correct. • You should put an X in the third • You can express an interest for up to column against the relevant third digit three properties in each edition of of the reference number. the freesheet. • Enter the date shown on the front of • Each property will have a 3 digit the freesheet that the property is reference number, shown in the advertised in. property advert in the freesheet. • Your coupon will only be processed • For example if you want to apply for if returned by post directly to the properties which have the HomeOption. The address is already reference number 456, 444, and 491, on the coupon, but you will need you should mark the coupon as to put a stamp on it. Remember to shown in the example copy. You post in time for the deadline. should put an X in the first column • If you need more coupons sent to against the relevant first digit of the you, please tick the ‘more coupons reference number. box’ or telephone 0906 2942038

Page 20 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 22

Making your choice by Text Message

Action Example To begin making your choice:

1 Open a new text message

2 Enter in your HomeOption Identification Number BBC12345 (HOIN) via the keys:

3 Then followed immediately by a hash mark: BBC12345#

4 You should now enter the advert reference number of your 1st choice followed immediately by a hash mark: BBC12345#456#

If you have finished choosing then send. If not keep following the instructions below.

5 You should now enter the advert reference number of your 2nd choice followed immediately by a hash mark: BBC12345#456#491#

If you have finished choosing then send. If not keep following the instructions below.

6 You should now enter the advert reference number of your 3rd choice followed immediately by a hash mark: BBC12345#456#491#444#

7 When you have entered all of your choices 07781 472726 send your Text message to:

• Most mobile phone companies • Check your HOIN and advert reference charge SMS text messages at around numbers are correct before sending. 10p per text. • Please note that you will not receive • You can enter your expressions a text message to confirm the choices of interest in both upper and you have made. lower case.

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 21 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 23

Making your choice by Telephone

1 To begin making your choices please dial: 08707 270460

2 You will hear: “Welcome to the HomeOption Property Line, Press 01 for Brentwood Press 02 for Epping Forest Press 03 for Uttlesford”

3 You will then hear: “Thank you. You are now through to Brentwood/Epping Forest (or) Uttlesford. Please enter the number section of your HomeOption Identification Number.”

4 You should now enter the numerical “Thank you. part of your HomeOption Identification Please enter the day number of your Date of Birth.” Number only (HOIN) Eg. If your e.g. For 16/04/60 enter 16 or for 08/01/58 enter 08 HOIN is BBC54321 you only need (you must put a 0 before a single number) to type in ‘54321’. Once you have entered the correct number you will hear:

5 You should now enter the day number “Thank you. Please enter the Advert Reference of your Date of Birth. Once you have number for the first choice.” entered the correct number you will hear:

6 Once you have entered the 3 digit Advert “Thank you. If you would like to add an additional Reference number correctly you will hear: choice press 1 or press 2 to complete your choices.”

7 If you have pressed one you will hear: “Thank you. Please enter the Advert Reference number for your second choice, or press the star key to complete your choices.”

8 Once you have entered the second Advert “Thank you. If you would like to add an additional Reference number correctly you will hear: choice press 1 or press 2 to complete your choices.”

9 If you have pressed one you will hear: “Thank you. Please enter the Advert Reference number for your third choice, or press the star key to complete your choices.”

10 When you have finished entering choices “Thank you for calling”. you will hear:

If you have made errors you will hear instructions as follows:

11 If you have made an error with your “I am sorry, the HomeOption Identification Number HomeOption Identification Number you have entered is not recognised. Please try again.” (HOIN) you will hear:

12 If you have made a further error with “I am sorry, the HomeOption Identification Number your HomeOption Identification you have entered is not found. Please check with Number (HOIN) you will hear: your Council”

Page 22 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 24

Making your choice by Telephone Cont.

13 If you have made an error with the day “I am sorry, the number you have entered for your number of your date of birth, day of birth is not a valid day of the month. Please you will hear: remember that if your birth day is a single number, you must put a zero in front of it. Please re-enter using your telephone now.”

14 If you have made a further error with “I am sorry, the day of birth you have entered does the day number of your date of birth, not match the day of birth specified for your you will hear: HomeOption Identification Number, please re-enter using your telephone now.”

15 If you have made a third error with the “I am sorry, the day of birth you have entered is not day number of your date of birth, correct. Please check with your Council.” you will hear:

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 23 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 25

Ordering your Coupons by Telephone

1 To order your coupons dial: 0906 2942038

2 You will hear: “Welcome to the Coupon Ordering Line, Press 01 for Brentwood Press 02 for Epping Forest Press 03 for Uttlesford”

3 You will then hear: “Welcome to the Coupon Ordering Line, “Thank you. Please enter the number section of your HomeOption Identification Number.”

4 You should now enter the numerical part “Thank you for calling. Your coupons will be of your HomeOption Identification sent to you shortly.” Number (HOIN) only. Once you have entered the correct number you will hear:

5 If you have made an error with your “I am sorry, the HomeOption Identification HomeOption Identification Number Number you have entered is not recognised. (HOIN) you will hear: Please try again.”

6 If you have made a further error with “I am sorry, the HomeOption Identification your HomeOption Identification Number you have entered is not found. Number (HOIN) you will hear: Please check with your Council.”

Page 24 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 26 Feedback Understanding the Feedback Reports

In each edition of the freesheet there will be a Size and Property Type Feedback page. This is simply a description of the property The feedback contains information on lettings advertised. that have taken place since the previous edition. Location The feedback is colour-coded in the same way This gives an indication of where the property is as the adverts appearing in the freesheet. situated. Freesheet Issue Date Expressions of Interest This is the publication date of the freesheet that This is the total number of expressions of the advert appeared in. interest that were made against the adverts at the Advert Reference close of the cycle. Combined with the freesheet issue date, this gives a unique identity to any advert appearing in Letting Information the freesheet and is used for making expressions This is the status of the successful applicant who of interest. accepted the property.

Example of HomeOption Feedback

Letting Information Expressions Magazine Advert Size Property Location Issue Date Reference Type of Interest Points/ Date of List Bands Application (Applicant)

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 25 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 27 Alternative Ho

HomeOption is a different way of allocating homes owned by the Council and Housing Associations. It will not provide more homes but it will allow you to see the vacancies that arise in the three partner authority areas.

Most Homeseekers will not get the opportunity to rent accommodation with a Council or Housing Association. There are many more people looking for homes than there are vacancies. Therefore, you may need to consider alternative solutions to your housing difficulties. Here are some alternative housing options you may wish to consider.

Private Rented Accommodation

Private rented accommodation can include lodgings, renting your own flat or house or shared accommodation. Your landlord will be a private individual or company. Living in private rented accommodation you will either be a tenant or a licensee.

Private renting offers you the freedom to find the type of accommodation you require in the area you wish to live. You may be eligible for help with the rent payments through Housing Benefit, contact your Local Authority for more details.

If you decide to go ahead, you will need to get money together for a deposit and usually one month's rent in advance.

Contact your own Local Authority for further advice and to see if they operate either a Rent Deposit or Rental Loan Scheme.

Mutual Exchange

Tenants of Councils and Housing Associations may be able to swap their home if they are secure or assured tenants. This is called a mutual exchange. In mutual exchange, two or more tenants exchange their homes and take on the terms of each other's tenancy.

If you are a tenant of a Council or Housing Association please contact your landlord for further details.

Page 26 • HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:18 Page 28 ousing Options

Traditional Shared Ownership Under this scheme, a Housing Association will sell you a newly built property on a part buy / part rent basis. This means that you buy a share of the property in the normal way by means of a mortgage and/or savings, and you pay a subsidised rent to the housing association on the remaining share. The amount of share initially purchased is normally between 25% and 75%. If you sell the property, the percentage of the proceeds you receive is equal to the percentage of the property you own. If you wish, you can buy further shares in the property as your financial circumstances improve. Eventually you may be able to own the property outright. Contact your own Local Authority for further advice.

HomeBuy is a government funded programme, of low cost affordable home ownership. It covers the following broad types of product:

Open Market HomeBuy

The Open Market HomeBuy scheme enables eligible people to purchase a home of their own on the open market, anywhere in , with the assistance of equity loans of up to 25% of the value of the property, alongside a conventional mortgage. In addition there is a product available whereby applicants can receive an equity loan for up to a maximum of 17.5% of the property purchase price, with no interest payable.

New Build HomeBuy

New Build HomeBuy is designed to help people who cannot afford to purchase a property outright. It enables eligible people to usually buy either, 25%, 50% or 75% of a property by way of a mortgage or cash purchase and you will then simply pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.

Social HomeBuy

Social HomeBuy is designed to enable tenants to purchase a share in the property that they are currently renting. Not all Registered Social Landlord's (RSL's) are able to offer this scheme and it is limited to eligible tenants.

For further details on HomeBuy in Essex please contact Moat on: 07002 662 846 or www.moat.co.uk

HOMEOPTION USER GUIDE • Page 27 8583 - Herts & Essex USER GUIDE V6 2/11/07 11:17 Page 1

General Information

Deadline for Expressions of Interest All expressions of interest placed by any method must reach the HomeOption office by 1.00pm on the closing date shown on the front of each HomeOption freesheet. Expressions of interest received after this time will not be eligible.

Methods of Expressing an Interest Include:

Internet - www.homeoption.org You can express an interest in a property on the HomeOption website at the above address as shown in this scheme user guide. Please ensure you enter your registration number correctly. By Telephone - 08707 270460 To make your expressions of interest by telephone, use the above number and follow the instructions given on the tape recorded message or as shown in this Scheme User Guide. By Text - 07781 472726 To make your expressions of interest by text (SMS), follow the instructions shown in this Scheme User Guide. By Postal Coupon You can complete and post coupons to the address set out in this Scheme User Guide. Do You Need Help Expressing an Interest in a Property? Please contact the landlord with whom you are registered who will be able to help and advise you on how you can express an interest in a property. Subscriptions For a small subscription fee of £10.00 the HomeOption freesheet can be posted directly to you for 6 months. Please make your cheques/postal orders payable to “Locata (Housing Services) Ltd” and send, together with your registration number and mailing address to: HomeOption Locata (Housing Services) Ltd P.O. Box 389 Ruislip HA4 4EB Please notify HomeOption of any change to your mailing address.