Housing - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Housing
How long do I have to wait to be allocated a house after I submit an application form?That depends on your housing need. Each Housing Provider you apply to will assess your form using their allocations policy. The greater your housing need, the higher up the points system you will be placed. Individual Housing Providers operate their own allocation policy, which you can request to see. Additional information is available in the Guide to Housing Options.
How much rent will I have to pay? Do I have to pay my rent on a weekly/monthly basis?The amount of rent you have to pay will depend on a number of things like the size of house you are allocated and who your landlord is. You generally have the option of paying weekly or monthly depending on the option that suits you. It is best to discuss payment details prior to signing your tenancy agreement. Average rents for social housing providers are available in the Guide to Housing Options.
Rents in the private sector vary greatly depending upon size, location and condition of the property.
Am I entitled to Housing Benefit? How much Housing Benefit will I receive?If you become unemployed or earn significantly lower than the average wage limit, you will be entitled to Housing Benefit. If you are living in a Private Rented accommodation you may not receive the full amount of your rent if the Housing Benefit section believes that your rent is too high. However, the Housing Benefit section can carry out a ‘pre-tenancy determination’ before you sign your tenancy agreement which will tell you how much Housing Benefit you are entitled to and let you see if your full rent will be met. See Revenues and Benefits site and Housing Benefits chapter of guide to housing options for further information.
I know the town I would like to live in, how do I find out who provides housing in this area?Use the housing search option which allows you to search for different types and sizes of social housing in an area of your choice in the Scottish Borders.
Am I allowed to buy my house?The HomePoint website offers further information about your right to buy your property (Use the quick link section and choose “Right to Buy”).
I have noisy/ anti social neighbours – who do I contact?There is a mediation service operating in the Scottish Borders which employs a Neighbour Dispute Resolution Manager and an Anti Social Behaviour Order Officer who are available to assist in neighbour dispute mediation.
I am a wheelchair user/have mobility problems, is housing available to accommodate my needs?The housing search allows you to search for special needs housing. Information is given on housing suitable for wheelchair users, people with physical disabilities and housing for people with other special needs. The DPHS Borders may also be able to help you. Their email address is DPHSBorders@aol.com.
What does Stock Transfer mean?It is a transfer of housing stock and all landlord functions to Scottish Borders Housing Association from Scottish Borders Council under the government’s New Housing Partnership Initiative. A number of housing functions remain with the Council.
Further information on the stock transfer can be found in the Guide to Housing Options.
Who can provide me with housing information and advice?For advice on homelessness go to Homelessness section in the Guide to Housing Options. For general housing information and advice go to the Housing Information and Advice section of the Guide to Housing Options.
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