Renting from a housing association

What is a housing association?

Housing associations (often referred to as registered social landlords or RSLs) are non-profit making organisations that provide affordable housing in many areas of the country. They are controlled by management boards made up of volunteers, with a range of professional skills and local knowledge. They build new homes and improve existing properties, mainly for rent. They are regulated by the homes and communities agency under the housing act 1996. More information about the homes and communities agency can be obtained through their website.

Home and Communities Agency (external website)

Some housing associations specialise, for example, sheltered accommodation for the elderly, or supported accommodation for vulnerable groups. In the main, housing associations tenants have ‘assured’ tenancies, which are similar to secure tenancies given by local authorities.

How do I apply for a housing association property?

Demand for housing association properties tends to be high, just as it is for council properties. The following pdf document gives information on which associations have accommodation in the East Riding, as well as the location and type of properties available.

What and Where? East Riding of Yorkshire Council, housing association and almshouse rented accommodation in the East Riding (pdf 2mb)

To apply for housing association accommodation you need to contact each association and request an application form, contact information is available at the back of the ‘What and Where?’ booklet.

Housing associations also rehouse people that we ‘nominate’ to them from our waiting list.  If you wish to be considered you must be on our waiting list, and have ticked ‘Yes’ to question eight on the housing application form that asks if you wish to be considered for a housing association tenancy. 

You can obtain a housing application form by e-mailing housing.services@eastriding.gov.uk or telephone (01482) 393939. 

The Council allocates properties in accordance with its own housing allocation policy. Other providers of social housing may have their own additional criteria which you may have to meet before being allocated a property. Normally properties will only be offered to suit your household size and the length of tenancy will vary according to your circumstances.  

Can I get help with the rentfor a housing association property?

Our housing benefits section deal with claims for housing benefit from housing association tenants. You may be able to claim housing benefit if you are the tenant of a housing association property, you live in the dwelling and you are on a low income. You can apply for housing benefit online (opens in new window), or at any of our customer service centres.

In order to process a new claim the benefits team will need proof from you, and your partner, of your identities, national insurance numbers, income, capital and savings, along with proof of income for any other adults in your home. 

Can I rent extracare sheltered housing from a housing association?

In Bridlington there are two 'extracare' sheltered housing schemes owned by housing associations, providing self-contained flats for older people with care needs that wish to live independently.

Portland mews is owned by Hanover Housing and has thirty-six flats for rent.  Applegarth court is owned by housing 21 and has twenty-four flats for rent and six for shared ownership; it also offers respite facilities for adults with physical disabilities.

The rent and service charge for these properties are eligible for housing benefit.  There is an additional care charge.

Properties are normally available to those over fifty-five years of age, who have a local connection and an assessed need for personal care, and would be eligible to join the council's housing waiting list.

You can apply directly to the housing association.

For Portland Mews:

Email: lettings&enquiries@hanover.org.uk

Tel: (01274) 599686

For Applegarth Court:

Email: lettings@housing21.co.uk

Tel: (01274) 744190

You can also be nominated by us for these properties.  You can obtain a housing application form by e-mailing housing.services@eastriding.gov.uk or telephone (01482) 393939.   

You must make sure that you tick 'yes' to question 8 on the form that asks if you wish to be nominated for a housing association tenancy. If you have a medical need to move you may get additional medical priority.

The first council extracare housing development has been built in Beverley - it's called Rita Hunt Court.  

Contact (01482) 396301 for more information.