Allocations

Are there any incentives to leave social housing completely?

We do not give any incentives to leave social housing completely, we only offer incentives to downsize.

Can I apply to rent a home from you if I am single with children?

As we don’t take direct applications, you would need to apply to your local authority in the first place to have your housing needs assessed.

Can I bid on Locata if I don’t have internet access?

In the first instance, please look at other ways of accessing the internet, such as at your local library or internet cafe. Once logged in, you can arrange to bid by telephone, or text message. For more details see Locata.

You can also come into your local office to connect.

If this is not convenient, we may be able to assist you by listing you for ‘automatic bidding’. Please contact us with your details.

Can I get housing with Peabody if I am on benefits?

As we don’t take direct applications, you would need to apply to your local authority in the first place to have your housing needs assessed.

Can I get nominated for a home that I have seen advertised?

The nomination process only applies in areas in which the Locata bidding system is not used. To be nominated for a home that you have seen, please contact your existing landlord.

Can I rent a home from you if I am not working at the moment?

As we don’t take direct applications, you would need to apply to your local authority in the first place to have your housing needs assessed.

Can my partner and I swap our two flats for one if we are both renting a flat from Peabody?

In order for us to determine if this is possible we will need to take a look at your personal circumstances. Please contact us so we can discuss your circumstances. 

Can you help if I am overcrowded living in a one bedroom property with two children?

Due to demands on housing, overcrowding is a common issue affecting a number of households. Often there can be a wait for properties, this is particularly the case for 3, or 4 bedroom properties. To improve your opportunity to move, there are various exchange schemes available for existing tenants such as:

www.homeswapper.co.uk

www.exchangelocata.org.uk

www.houseexchange.org.uk

You can request a transfer, however most tenants have more success moving with the above exchange websites.

 

 

 

 

Housing support

Are dietary needs of different faiths met at sheltered schemes?

Most sheltered schemes do not provide food on a day to day basis, but will take account of dietary and faith needs for any catered events.

Visit our website for more details on our sheltered housing schemes.

Are there restricted visiting times at sheltered schemes?

No. A sheltered scheme is independent living, therefore there are no restrictions on visiting times.

However, in any building with a shared entrance we ask visitors to be mindful of noise when entering or exiting.

Can I bid on Locata if I don’t have internet access?

In the first instance, please look at other ways of accessing the internet, such as at your local library or internet cafe. Once logged in, you can arrange to bid by telephone, or text message. For more details see Locata.

You can also come into your local office to connect.

If this is not convenient, we may be able to assist you by listing you for ‘automatic bidding’. Please contact us with your details.

Does Peabody offer support for vulnerable residents over 55?

Yes, the expertise of our Housing with Support is available to all our residents aged over 55.

The type of support on offer includes:

  • Improving health and well-being (for example, advice and support with aids and adaptations);
  • Community involvement (for example, to improve access to activities and reduce isolation);
  • Computer and technical support (for example, to assist with digital inclusion);
  • Financial support (for example, advice on welfare reform, money worries, etc.).

For further details please contact us.

How can I become a sheltered scheme resident if I'm not currently a Peabody resident?

London sheltered schemes:

You'll need to contact your local authority to see if you are eligible to register.

If you're deemed eligible, all our London based sheltered schemes vacancies can be bid via the Locata system.

Outer London sheltered schemes:

Each local authority has a ‘choice based letting’ scheme. Contact your local authority to be registered and if accepted you can bid on vacancies.

Catalyst has three extra care schemes in Reading, Oxford and Barnet. Each of these scheme has a separate waiting list, which is managed by the local authority.

Visit our website for more details on our sheltered housing schemes.

How do you help to promote an active lifestyle at a sheltered scheme?

Many schemes offer gentle exercise classes and other activities to keep both body and mind active.

Visit our website for more details on our sheltered housing schemes.

How do you reduce isolation at a sheltered scheme, for instance due to language barriers?

We aim to make our activities as inclusive as possible. Working with residents with a varying levels of mobility, hearing and sight we keep activities simple to follow. Sometimes we also use volunteers to add additional support to a group where language may be a barrier to joining in.

Visit our website for more details on our sheltered housing schemes.

How do I get referred to a sheltered or extra care scheme?

For sheltered housing schemes contact your local council to register for housing, you will then be able to bid for vacancies.

There are separate waiting lists for our extra care schemes and these are managed by the local authority. If you have a social worker they will be able to refer you to this waiting list.

Visit our website for more details on our sheltered housing schemes.

Key living

Do key workers currently living in a Peabody household get preference in a key living scheme?

We will consider all your circumstances on application, and Catalyst residents that meet the selection criteria will be looked upon favourably.

If you require further information, please contact us.

How do I apply for key living accommodation?

Please be aware that key living schemes consist of rented rooms in shared properties that are available to working professionals.

The rooms are single occupancy only (so not suitable for couples or families) and the living room, kitchen and, in some cases, a bathroom are shared.

Pets are not allowed in any of our key living schemes.

We have key living accommodation available in the following areas:

If you'd like to apply for key living accommodation please complete the key worker application form and send this to us along with the information below;

* A recent bank statement.
* Recent payslip.
* Photo ID.
* A job offer letter or confirmation of employment.

Where should I send my form and documentation?

You can send them to us in one of the following ways:

Online
By post

What happens once I have sent the forms?

Once we have received the form, and all the above mentioned documentation, the Key Living team will contact you within two days to either offer you accommodation or an explanation of why you've been refused.

How do I pay for key living accommodation?

If you’re already living in one of our key living rented homes, you can pay your rent using direct debit: Simply download our direct debit form, fill it in and return it to us by post.

If you need to make an additional payment, please contact us and ask to be put through to your Resident Services Officer.

Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

How do key workers get their deposit back?

We use the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) to protect our tenant’s deposits.

Once the tenancy is ended and no outstanding money is owed, keyworkers can get their deposit back by calling DPS directly on 0330 303 0030.

Please note that in case of a dispute between Peabody and the tenant the DPS will investigate it and return the deposit minus the disputed amount, pending resolution.

If you require further information, please contact us.

How much is the weekly rent in Peabody’s key living schemes?

If you require further information, please contact us and ask to speak to the Key Living team.

How much notice do I need to give to end my key living tenancy?

One month’s written notice is required.

If you would like to give notice, please e-mail your resident officer.

Alternatively, please post your notice to us, marking it for the attention of your resident services officer.

You must then ensure you return your keys on the day you leave the property.

What is key worker, or key living, accommodation?

Key living schemes consist of rented rooms in shared properties that are available to working professionals.

The rooms are single occupancy only (so not suitable for couples or families) and the living room, kitchen and, in some cases, a bathroom are shared.

Pets are not allowed in any of our key living schemes.

We have key living accommodation available in the following areas:

  • Ashgrove Court, and Lockbridge Court, in Westbourne Park, London W9
  • Britannia Walk, Old Street, London, N1
  • Harrow Road, Kensal Green, London, NW10
  • Milne House, 24 London Street, Paddington, London W2 1HH

If you'd like to apply for key living accommodation please complete the key worker application form and send this to us along with the following information:

  • A recent bank statement.
  • Recent payslip.
  • Photo ID.
  • A job offer letter or confirmation of employment.

Where should I send my form and documentation?

You can send them to us in one of the following ways:

Online
By post

What happens once I have sent the forms?

Once we have received the form, and all the above mentioned documentation, the Key Living team will contact you within two days, and they will either offer you accommodation or an explanation of why you have been refused.

Mutual exchange

Can I do a mutual exchange with a non-Peabody resident?

Yes, you can do a mutual exchange with any local authority or housing association tenant in the UK who holds a secure, assured, flexible or fixed term assured shorthold tenancy of two years or more.

How do I apply for key living accommodation?

Please be aware that key living schemes consist of rented rooms in shared properties that are available to working professionals.

The rooms are single occupancy only (so not suitable for couples or families) and the living room, kitchen and, in some cases, a bathroom are shared.

Pets are not allowed in any of our key living schemes.

We have key living accommodation available in the following areas:

  • Ashgrove Court, and Lockbridge Court, in Westbourne Park, London W9.
  • Britannia Walk, Old Street, London, N1.
  • Harrow Road, Kensal Green, London, NW10.
  • Milne House, 24 London Street, Paddington, London W2 1HH.

If you'd like to apply for key living accommodation please complete the key worker application form and send this to us along with the information below;

* A recent bank statement.
* Recent payslip.
* Photo ID.
* A job offer letter or confirmation of employment.

Where should I send my form and documentation?

You can send them to us in one of the following ways:

Online
By post

What happens once I have sent the forms?

Once we have received the form, and all the above mentioned documentation, the Key Living team will contact you within two days to either offer you accommodation or an explanation of why you've been refused.

 

 

How can I find someone to swap with on a mutual exchange?

Visit the mutual exchange websites as these will guide you through the process of mutual exchange, including finding suitable properties that are available to exchange with.

The following are various exchange schemes available for existing tenants such as:

www.homeswapper.co.uk

www.exchangelocata.org.uk

www.houseexchange.org.uk

How can I qualify for a mutual exchange?

You will qualify to apply for mutual exchange if you are a tenant that has a secure, assured, flexible or fixed term assured shorthold tenancy of two or more years.

If my home has been adapted and I want to do a mutual exchange, does it have to be with someone who also adapted their home?

If your home has been adapted (for example, to accommodate a wheelchair) and you wish to do a mutual exchange you should exchange with someone that also has the same needs.

If you have acquired your home through succession then you will be entitled to bid for a more appropriate home.

What happens on a mutual exchange when I have found someone to swap with?

Both parties who wish to exchange need to contact their landlord to complete a mutual exchange application form.

Each mutual exchange party should complete the forms and return them to their own landlords.

The landlord will then assess these, and arrange to visit the tenant to inspect the property and identify any issues such as repairs that need doing.

The landlord will also liaise with the other party’s landlord to verify who is in the household and whether the property is suitable so they can agree the exchange.

Both landlords have 42 days to agree or refuse the exchange.

Can you send me a mutual exchange form?

If we're your landlord please contact us for a mutual exchange form. 

What is a mutual exchange and how does it work?

A mutual exchange allows you to swap your home with another council or housing association tenant anywhere in the UK.

However, you must have lived at your home for a minimum of 12 months before you can apply for a Mutual Exchange.

Tenancy exchanges are arranged by the tenants themselves with the help of tenancy exchange websites such as Homeswapper and Locata.

What is key worker, or key living, accommodation?

Key living schemes consist of rented rooms in shared properties that are available to working professionals.

The rooms are single occupancy only (so not suitable for couples or families) and the living room, kitchen and, in some cases, a bathroom are shared.

Pets are not allowed in any of our key living schemes.

We have key living accommodation available in the following areas:

  • Ashgrove Court, and Lockbridge Court, in Westbourne Park, London W9
  • Britannia Walk, Old Street, London, N1
  • Harrow Road, Kensal Green, London, NW10
  • Milne House, 24 London Street, Paddington, London W2 1HH

If you'd like to apply for key living accommodation please complete the key worker application form and send this to us along with the following information:

  • A recent bank statement.
  • Recent payslip.
  • Photo ID.
  • A job offer letter or confirmation of employment.

Where should I send my form and documentation?

You can send them to us in one of the following ways:

Online
By post

What happens once I have sent the forms?

Once we have received the form, and all the above mentioned documentation, the Key Living team will contact you within two days, and they will either offer you accommodation or an explanation of why you have been refused.

Sales

As a current tenant am I entitled to a discount when purchasing through you?

No, there is no discount offered to current tenants purchasing shared ownership homes.

Do you sell homes at full market value?

Yes, you will not be buying at a reduced price, you’ll just be buying a share of your home.

Our homes are valued by independent Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors who determine the current market value.

I live in one of your social rented homes, can I buy a shared ownership home from you?

Yes, if you are the named tenant(s) you’ll need to terminate any other tenancy you may have on completion so that the property is freed up for someone else who needs it.

Also, if you are looking to buy, you should not be in rent arrears and should not have any anti-social behaviour orders.

What if I live in the home but I am not the named tenant?

If you live in a rented property, but you are not the tenant (for example your parents are the tenant), they would not be expected to terminate their tenancy unless they are moving with you.

If I bought a Peabody home and wanted to buy another in a few years, would I have to give up my original home?

If you don’t own your home outright, you’ll need to either sell your shared ownership home or staircase up to 100% ownership before purchasing a second home.

What homes do you have for sale?

For information on the different ways to get onto the property ladder, including shared ownership, please take a look at Find a Home.

What is a memorandum of sale?

Once you have registered your interest in a property and all financial checks have been completed so that we know that you can afford the property, the process to proceed with the sale begins.

The memorandum of sale will then be sent to you and your solicitor and is the document that outlines all the information relating to the property. It will include the following:

  • The property details.
  • The price.
  • Details and cost of any service charge.
  • Terms and conditions of the lease.
  • Details of any deadlines that must be met for the sale to complete.

What is the process to buy a new build home?

Private property – where you are buying 100% of the property at full market price

Generally, you would have registered your interest in a property by going online to see what homes we have for sale and make an appointment to visit the site or property.

Once we receive your interest, a financial assessment will be carried out to check that the property is affordable.

If the site visit goes well and you wish to proceed, you will be able to reserve a property. At this point legal sale proceedings will begin.

Shared ownership properties – in London

As with a private sale, you would register your interest in a property by going online to see what homes we have for sale or visiting the Marketing Suite, where applicable.

Once we receive your interest, a financial assessment will be carried out to check that the property is affordable for you.

We would arrange any sales site visits for you and also contact the local authority in which the property is located to advise them of your interest. This is because generally with shared ownership purchases you will need to live, or work in the borough in which you are interested in buying in.

Once the above stages have been completed and if you still wish to proceed, the legal aspect of the sales process will begin, for this you will need to appoint a solicitor.

Shared ownership properties – outside of London South of England

If you are interested in buying a shared ownership property you will need to register first with Help to Buy South if you live in any of the following regions:

  • Berkshire
  • Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and Mendip
  • Gloucestershire
  • Hampshire & Isle of Wight
  • Oxfordshire
  • Wiltshire

This is because generally with shared ownership purchases you will need to live, or work in the borough in which you are interested in buying in and they will carry out these checks for you.

 

East and South East England

If you are interested in buying a shared ownership property you will need to register with Help to Buy East and South East if you live in any of the following areas:

  • Buckinghamshire
  • Bedfordshire
  • Hertfordshire
  • Essex
  • Cambridgeshire
  • Norfolk
  • Suffolk
  • Surrey
  • West Sussex
  • East Sussex
  • Kent

This is because generally with shared ownership purchases you will need to live, or work in the borough in which you are interested in buying in and they will carry out these checks for you.

 

Transfers

How can I transfer to Peabody from another housing association?

You'll need to register for a transfer with your current landlord. This will begin the transfer process. Please speak to your landlord for more details.

How do I know if my transfer application has been successful?

Our allocations and lettings team will write to you within 10 working days of receiving your transfer application. They’ll confirm which band you’ve been awarded and how to bid for properties.

How do I transfer?

Please be aware that there is a very high demand and a long wait for homes, especially for three and four bedroom ones. To improve your chance to move there are various options available to you.

Mutual exchange:

The following exchange schemes available for existing tenants looking to move home:

www.homeswapper.co.uk

www.exchangelocata.org.uk

www.houseexchange.org.uk

Transfer:

If you're a Peabody resident you can request a transfer: please contact us to discuss your needs.

If you're not a Peabody resident but you're a tenant with another social housing landlord you can register for mutual exchange. However, if you're not a social tenant at the moment you will have to contact the housing service at your local authority to have your housing needs assessed.

 

 

I've submitted my housing transfer application form, what's the next step?

Our Allocations and Lettings team will assess your application. They'll consider the circumstances of your household and follow our policy to determine the priority to be awarded. This is commonly known as banding.

The Allocations team aims to complete the process and write to you within 10 working days of receiving the application, as well as any additional documents that may be needed.

Their letter will to advise you of the outcome and the banding awarded, and will include information on how to bid for properties.

I live in Outer London, how do I transfer?

If you’re an Outer London Peabody resident and you want to transfer within the same area, you’ll need to apply to the local authority where you live.

If you’re interested in moving to London, please be aware that there is a very high demand and a long wait for properties, especially for three and four bedroom ones. To improve your chance to move there are various options available to you.

Mutual exchange:

The following exchange schemes available for existing tenants looking to move home:

www.homeswapper.co.uk

www.exchangelocata.org.uk

www.houseexchange.org.uk

Transfer:

If you're a Peabody resident you can request a transfer: please contact us on 0300 456 2099, to discuss your needs.

If you're not a Peabody resident but you're a resident with another social housing landlord you can register for mutual exchange.

However, if you're not a social housing resident at the moment you will have to contact the housing service at your local authority to have your housing needs assessed.

What is a management transfer?

We'll award you management transfer status if we consider your safety and well-being is at serious risk – this includes you and any member of your household.

Please note we would require supporting documents from the relevant agencies, so if you are in fear and in need of immediate re-housing you should approach any local authority in the country for housing.

Please note that a management transfer is a like for like transfer – the focus is on moving you away from immediate danger only. For example if you are currently in a two bedroom home, you will only qualify for a two bedroom home, regardless how overcrowded it may be.

If you seek long term alternative rehousing, you can bid for transfers, although we would recommend that you consider mutual exchange as it is a much more successful way of moving home.

What is the process if I want to downsize?

You'll need to fill out a transfer form. Please contact us if you'd like to consider downsizing, and we will provide you will all the information you need.

We give priority and incentives to people who want to move to a smaller home.

What other method of moving or transfer is there?

To improve your chance to move, you should apply for a mutual exchange.

Available mutual exchange schemes include:

www.homeswapper.co.uk

www.exchangelocata.org.uk

www.houseexchange.org.uk

You can also consider renting in the private sector but you should be aware that this will result in a loss of security of tenure. We recommended that you get independent legal advice if you’re considering moving to the private rented sector.  A deposit and reference from your existing landlord is usually also required by a private landlord.

Empty homes waiting to be re-let

Does an inspection need to be made of my home before I move out?

Yes. This is called a ‘pre-void inspection’.

You'll need to make your home available for your Neighbourhood Customer Specialist and a repairs surveyor to inspect your home before you leave. This is to allow them to check the condition of you home. At this point they will identify any repairs that are your responsibility to repair.

If repairs need to be carried out before I move in, when will these take place?

Before a void (empty) home can be re-let and a new resident moves in, all repairs or upgrades will be carried out.

Once the repairs are complete, the home will be inspected by a surveyor to make sure that the works are done to standard and specifications. They'll then advise our allocations and lettings team that the home is ready to let.

What is a void property?

When someone moves out of their home we'll inspect it and carry out any repairs before it's re-let. While the home is empty we refer to it as a void property.

What's a pre-void inspection?

Before you move out (for example, in the case of mutual exchange) we'll carry out a pre-void inspection. At this point, we'll identify any repairs that you're responsible for and will need to carry out before you leave.

What's a void property inspection?

The inspection is to check to see if any repairs, or upgrades are required to the empty home to ensure it meets current regulations and standards. This helps to ensure the empty home is safe to live in.

What will happen to any renovations or alterations that I've carried out to my home before I move out?

You may be entitled to claim compensation for any improvements that you have made to your home, as long as we gave permission for the improvements in the first place.

Please contact us for more information.

Will the fixtures and fittings be inspected during the void property inspection?

Yes, our surveyor will inspect all the windows, doors, locks and kitchen units and will arrange for any repairs that are required.

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