Caerphilly

When you apply for social housing there is an expectation that you are ready to move. Therefore, you should consider the following before making an application.

 

Financial assessment

Before being offered a tenancy the landlord may need you to complete a financial assessment to assess your ability to pay the rent and other housing related costs.  The landlord may choose not to make an offer of accommodation if the assessment shows that you would not be able to afford to pay the rent and/or associated housing costs.  If your circumstances change at a later date which which means you then satisfy the affordability criteria, the restriction on rehousing would be removed.

Further information can be found on the Money and debt advice section.

 

Managing your rent and living costs

To have a successful tenancy you will need to have an idea of the costs associated with maintaining a home. Such costs include rent, council tax, water rates, energy bills, TV licence, food, phone bills, credit card bills, travel costs, and clothing, for example.  The Money Helper Budget Planner is a useful tool for you to use to get an idea of the income and spending associated with maintaining a home.  It is important that you are realistic with your income and spending assumptions as otherwise you may be at risk of losing your home.

Most homes managed by partner landlords are re-let as unfurnished. When budgeting you will need to consider the costs of, for instance, a fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, oven, sofa, dining room table and chairs, lighting, carpets, curtains and beds.

If you are on a low income you may be able to get help to buy some of the items listed above.  For further information please contact the Citizen’s Advice or Job Centre Plus.  You can also buy used goods from organisations such as The Furniture Revival in Rhymney and The Penallta Reuse Shop in Hengoed, from house clearance shops and local charity shops or through websites such as gumtree, ebay and freeads.

You may also need to factor into your budget plan the removal costs associated with moving your belongings from your existing accommodation to your new accommodation.  If you cannot afford to hire a removal firm, you will need to find some other method of transporting them.

 

Paying rent in advance

The average weekly rent for social housing in the borough is dependent on property type, size and landlord.  All of the partner landlords, with the exception of the council, require new tenants to pay the first period’s rent in advance before they move in.  This will usually be 1 weeks rent but if you are intending on paying your rent on a monthly basis then this may be more.  In certain instances landlords may be willing to waive the rent in advance requirement – for further information please contact the relevant landlord directly.

If you are on a low income you may be entitled to help with paying your rent.  Please contact the council’s housing benefit section for further advice or use the on-line benefits calculator.  

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are on a low income or claiming benefits. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if one of the following applies:

• You and your partner are State Pension age
• You are staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing

To be able to claim Housing Benefit you must:

• Be liable to pay rent; and
• Be resident in the property you are claiming for

You cannot usually get Housing Benefit if:

• You have over £16,000 in savings, investments and property between yourself and your partner (unless you get Guaranteed Pension Credit)
• You are renting from a resident relative
• You are renting from a former partner
• You are responsible for your landlord’s child
• You have no recourse to public funds due to your immigration status
• You are a full-time student, without children or any disabilities

If you are on a low income and don’t have any savings you will need to start to save in advance of being made an offer of accommodation.  Advice on savings can be found online or by contacting organisations such as Smart Money Cymru or Citizen’s Advice.

 

Support and advice

If you would like help to speak with a member of the common housing register assessment team about any aspect of your housing application or require support completing a housing application, please contact the Common Housing Register Assessment Team.