Frequently Asked Questions
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and their answers have been supplied based on questions asked by our tenants and visitors. If you have a question which does not appear on this list please let us know using our Contact Us page. Our staff will do their best to answer directly and possibly add the question and answer to this list.
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What is a housing association?
A housing association is a not-for-profit organisation. Its main business is providing affordable homes to rent. Any money left over from its work is ploughed back into building or buying new homes, and improving its existing properties and services.
Who can apply for housing with a housing association?
Anyone can apply to be housed by us. However, it is our priority to provide housing to those who are most in need of it. To make sure this happens fairly, we use a points system to see whether you qualify to go on our waiting list. If we can’t accept you onto our waiting list we will explain why and you will have the right to appeal against the decision.
How do I apply?
If you are in housing need, you should contact us at our head office and ask to go on our waiting list. You can then complete a housing application form that tells us about your circumstances.
How long will it take to re-house me?
It depends on your position on the waiting list. Your position on the list is dependant on your housing need– and it depends on a suitable property becoming empty and how many other people are interested in it. You can cut the waiting time by being prepared to live in a number of different types of home in a wider area or in more areas. That way the chance of a suitable property becoming vacant will be higher.
Can I swap home?
Yes. As a tenant of a housing association you can swap home with another tenant either of the same association, another housing association, or a local authority or council.
How much rent do you charge?
Rents depend on the type and location of each property and the facilities you’ll be able to use. Check out sample rents on Home Finder.
I am on a low income. Can I get help?
You might be able to claim housing benefit to help with the rent. If we offer you a home we can find out you if you will qualify for it and we’ll work out how much rent you will have to pay.
Why have I been sent a rent arrears letter when I do not pay rent?
If you get housing benefit the council will pay your rent directly to the association. But if your benefit has not been paid for any reason, your rent account will show that you’re in arrears. This might be why you’ve had this letter. If we write to you about arrears, please contact us right away so we can help sort things out.
But remember, your claim for housing benefit is your responsibility. You must make sure you have given the council all the information needed to process your claim.
I pay rent in full every month, so why am I in arrears?
This could be because your rent is due weekly, so each week another week's rent is added to your account. If you pay at the end of the month rather than the beginning, your account will show arrears for three out of four weeks. To avoid this you need to pay in advance. If you can’t do this, just pay a little extra each month until you are in front. Your housing officer will be happy to help with this.
I have always received housing benefit to cover my rent, so why am I in arrears?
Housing benefit is usually paid four weeks in arrears and will show on your account during the fifth week. This means that your rent account will always appear to be at least one week in arrears. However, many of our tenants have housing benefit paid in this way so we ignore any arrears which arise just because of the way housing benefit is paid.
What do I do if I have an emergency repair outside working hours?
Ring our 24/7 repairs helpdesks. That’s 01642 726050
What should I do if I am not happy with Endeavour Housing Group’s service?
Please tell us. We take our customers’ views very seriously and we will always try to solve any problems you may have. We have a Complaints Policy and Procedure to help us deal with all complaints fairly.
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