Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my Application?   (move back to the top)| 

Kirklees/Calderdale 

When we receive your application form our lettings team will assess your circumstances to determine whether or not your application can be included onto our waiting list. If it is clear that we are unable to help you, you will be notified in writing - we do not want to raise your hopes unnecessarily when it is clear to us that you stand little or no chance of being rehoused.

We aim to process your application within 10 working days.

Leeds

If you submit your Common Housing Register application form to our office, we will aim to enter it onto the register within 10 working days. You will then receive confirmation in writing from Leeds City Council with your bidding number. If you haven't received confirmation from the Council within 10 working days, you can ring our hotline and we can tell you your bidding number.  

What happens if my circumstances change?   

It is vital that you inform us of any changes in your circumstances – it may improve your chances of being rehoused.

What happens when I am considered for a property? (move back to the top)| 

If you are short listed for a vacancy we will invite you to attend an interview at our office where we will be able to discuss your particular housing requirements and take up references. This interview does not guarantee a final offer of accommodation.

What happens if I am made an offer? (move back to the top)| 

We will: 

• Tell you how much the rent and any service charge will be.
• Make sure that you have the opportunity to view the property.
• Tell you when the tenancy will need to start.
• Give you two working days to decide if you want to accept the offer.

If you decide to accept the offer you will need to come into our office to go through the sign-up process.

At the sign-up we will give you a copy of your tenancy agreement and the Tenants’ Handbook and take time explaining them to you.

What kind of quality can I expect of my new home? (move back to the top)| 

We aim to make sure that the property you are moving into is clean and empty. We will also make sure all major repairs have been carried out.

Some minor repairs may need to be done after you have moved in, but we will have agreed these works with you and we will make sure they are carried out soon after you have moved in. 

Your new home will probably need decorating to your taste, which is your responsibility.

Do I have to move in straight away? (move back to the top)| 

No, but you will be responsible for the rent from the start of the tenancy and you must tell us if you don’t plan to move in straight away as we may think that you have surrendered your tenancy (i.e. left without telling us) and serve a 4-week Notice to Quit to end your tenancy. 

It may also affect your Housing Benefit if you do not claim benefit from your new address from the start of your tenancy or for a period of absence, leaving you with arrears to pay.

You need to make a claim with the Housing Benefit Office straight away. 

How do I get Gas, Electricity and Telephone supplied to me? (move back to the top)|  

It is your responsibility to pay for the gas and electricity you use. Let the suppliers of all these services know that you are the new tenant. You may also need to make arrangements to get supplies connected. Even if the supplies are already connected, don't put off contacting the suppliers to get the meters read because you could end up being incorrectly charged for the bills of previous tenants. Read the meter as soon as you can and keep a note of the meter reading so that you can tell the supplier when you contact them.

To sign up for gas and electricity:

It is sometimes difficult to know if the previous tenant switched supplier and who the supplier is. The Association may not know. To find out call:

• Gas—Transco M number enquiry—0870 608 1524
• Electric—CE Electric UK—0845 3300 889

If you need more advice about switching suppliers, contact Energy Watch on 0800 074 0745.

How do I get heating and hot water in my home? (move back to the top)| 

Make sure that you know how your heating and hot water systems work. Ask the Lettings Officer to go through it with you if you are unsure. Find the stopcock taps for Water and Gas.    

You will not be able to use the gas supply until we have tested it. Our gas safety contractor IDM will carry out the test at an agreed date and time slot to suit you between 9.00am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. PLEASE ENSURE YOU ALLOW 24 HOURS NOTICE FOR THE CONTRACTOR TO COME OUT. The phone number of the company you need to contact is 01274 603 333.

How do I find local Doctors and Dentists? (move back to the top)| 

It is important to find out where your nearest doctors and dentists are (you could ask neighbours for recommendations). It is best to register with them straight away rather than wait until you are ill (especially with dentists). If you are unsure what surgeries there are in your area, call the NHS Helpline on 0845 4647.

I don't have much furniture. Where do I find some that I can afford? (move back to the top)| 

If you need help to obtain furniture phone 0113 285 0400 (Leeds) or 01484 353 530 (Huddersfield) to speak to a Housing Services Advisor. They can refer you to one of our support team who may be able to help put you in touch with people who can offer second-hand furniture.