Frequently Asked Questions

For every application we require proof of ID for every member of the household (to be re-housed) and only one proof of your current address; however, if household members live at different addresses we will require a proof per address. You need to provide this at the point that you are being nominated for a property. You will be required to provide these documents within 48 hours of the cycle closing so you may wish to have them ready.

A full list of all acceptable proofs can be downloaded here. This includes information regarding proof of pregnancy and information for those applicants with access to children.

We DO NOT require originals to be sent to us - photocopies or scanned documents are preferred.

If you bring originals into the Local Service Points they will be happy to photocopy these for you at no charge. However, we receive a number of applications every week that include original and valuable documentation (including passports and driving licenses) that come to us through the standard post. Not only is this of concern as they may get lost, but the Council has to send these items back via recorded delivery which incurs a cost.

When emailing scanned documents they should be sent to Joanne Newcomb stating your full name and Address in the subject line.

2.) "Surely the earlier I bid for a property the more priority I have?"

No - when you place a bid during the two week cycle does not affect your priority. If you placed a bid on the first day of a cycle you would gain no more priority than if you placed it on the last day of the same cycle.

3.) "I placed my bid on the first day of the cycle and was 1st - a week later I am now 15th - why?"

This relates to question 1 (above) of priority and bidding. If you place a bid early on the first Wednesday of a cycle you could get an "artificial" sense of the priority you will ultimately have for a chosen property. If you are the only person who has at that point bid for a property you will be number one on a property with no-one above you. As the cycle progresses and more people bid your actual priority for a property will become clearer as other applicants may have greater priority (higher band) or have been waiting on the Housing Register for longer (earlier application date) than you.

4.) "I have noticed that a property near to where I live has recently become empty, can I be considered for it?"

5.) "What are Affordable Rents properties?

In October 2010, the Government announced its intention to make significant changes to the rules around social housing. One of these changes was introducing rents which are nearer market rents. These are called Affordable Rents. Social landlords, like Sovereign, who wish to continue to receive grant funding from the Homes and Community Agency to help develop and build homes for future residents, were required to enter into a contract to agree to let newly built homes and a proportion of existing homes at an Affordable Rent.

How much is an Affordable Rent?

Properties let at an Affordable Rent will be let at up to 80% of private market rents. Private market rent is the average in an area that someone would pay if renting a property from a private landlord.

Why is it being called ‘affordable rent when it will actually be higher than the rent that social landlords usually charge?

Affordable rents will be higher than the usual rent charged by social landlords but they will be set at 20% less than the market rent. Also, Sovereign have made the decision to set all Affordable Rents at no more than the Local Housing Allowance for that property. The Local Housing Allowance is the maximum amount of benefit that can be claimed for a type of property in an area. Sovereign Affordable Rents will not be above this figure.

Can I still claim housing benefit if I live in an affordable rent property?

Yes. Sovereign have made the decision to ensure all our Affordable Rent property rents will be within the Local Housing Allowance cap for your area. This is the maximum amount of housing benefit that can be applied for.

If you are eligible for housing benefit, you will be able to make a claim. Housing benefit claims will be assessed as normal and based on the household circumstances.

How are Sovereign planning to introduce Affordable Rents?

We will be running a pilot from January 2012 to March 2012 introducing Affordable Rent on some properties that become vacant in this 3 month period. These properties will be let on an assured tenancy (a lifetime tenancy) to allow us to test what difference the change in rent will have on how we let properties.

What is a life time tenancy?

This is a tenancy which, providing the tenant keeps to the conditions of the tenancy agreement, will allow them to rent the property for as long as they want.  At the same time the Government introduced Affordable Rent for housing associations, it also introduced the option for social landlords to use fixed term tenancies.

What is a fixed term tenancy?

These are tenancies which are for a fixed term and are not for life. The minimum time these tenancies can last would be 2 years. Sovereign is considering the use of fixed term tenancies and will be making a decision over these in the next few months.

Which homes will be rented on an Affordable Rent?

The higher Affordable Rent will be charged for newly built homes where we have received grant to help build that home or where a property is being relet and has been chosen as an Affordable Rented home.

How do we choose which properties will be let as Affordable Rents?

Some properties are in very high demand areas where local private rents are high and where we believe that we could let properties at a higher rent than we do currently. Some of these properties, as they become vacant, will be let at an Affordable Rent.

How will I know if it affects me?

The rent level for all homes will be clearly advertised through any Choice Based Lettings scheme adverts. Where choice based lettings do not operate in an area the details of the Affordable Rent will be passed to the local authority so that they can make sure that anyone who is nominated for a vacancy is aware.  

I am already a Sovereign resident, does it affect me?

No. If you already have a tenancy with Sovereign your rent will NOT be affected unless you choose to move another home which is subject to the Affordable Rent.

Will I have to pay a deposit for an Affordable Rent property ?

No. Sovereign does not require residents to pay deposits.

How much higher will affordable rent be?

There is no fixed amount for affordable rent. Affordable rents are based on the rent charged for private rented homes in your area.

Under current rules the new affordable rent rate will always be less than the market rental value of the same property.  It will be no more than 80% of the market value. So, like current social rent, an affordable rent will still be cheaper than renting privately.

Will the homes let at a higher rent mean a better standard for the resident?

No, the standard for all Sovereign homes will be the same. We inspect and check every property as it becomes vacant and make sure it has all the relevant safety checks such as gas safety certificate and an electric check. We also check that it is clean, in good order and ready to let before offering it to a new tenant. Properties which are let on an Affordable Rent will be let in the same way.

Can I mutual exchange if I am on an Affordable Rent tenancy?

Yes, you can exchange if you live in a property that is let on an Affordable Rent in the same way as any other tenant. The property will need to be inspected and you must have kept to the terms of your tenancy, including have a clear rent account, before we would give permission.