People can be offered a property by any provider if they don't add a preference on their registration. If they do add one or more preferences, only those housing providers can offer them a property. The person registering must meet that providers' eligibility criteria.
Housing offers can be made orally or in writing and must be entered on the Single Housing Register. Each provider can set the date for the person to respond. This will need to be recorded on the register once the offer is accepted.
The person must be registered for their status to be updated as housed. This stops other providers contacting customers who have accepted offers and moved in.
If an offer is rejected, the reason must be entered on the register - eg the location is unsuitable.
Selecting a tenant
Different types of housing have different guidelines for selecting a tenant.
Community housing
Providers select tenants from the Single Housing Register if they are:
- eligible
- the next in line for housing by category - for example, category 1 and registration date.
Providers should refer to the person's primary contact organisation for information about their situation and housing needs.
Housing co-operatives
Volunteer member-tenant managed providers select tenants from the Single Housing Register if they:
- are eligible
- can carry out membership responsibilities
- are next in line, based on the date they registered
- meet the level of housing need.
Withdrawing an offer
A provider can withdraw an offer of housing. Reasons must be entered on the Single Housing Register.
An offer can be withdrawn if:
- the property or the location is not suitable
- the condition of the property makes it unsuitable
- the property is no longer available.
