If I don’t have a local connection with Leeds will my application be registered in the general needs band?
Answer - Yes, you do need to have a local connection with Leeds through residence, employment or family associations for a higher priority. The only exception is for homeless customers without a local connection – they would be awarded Priority under the Homeless stream.
Can additional bedroom be awarded for an unborn child – or do I have to wait until my child is born?
Answer - We can award an additional bedroom to a housing application on receipt of proof of pregnancy.
For example, if a couple had a 2 year old child and already required 2 bedrooms there would be no additional requirement. If a couple without any children were only registered for one bedroom they could be awarded for two bedrooms.
We are a family of 2 parents and 2 boys, aged 15 and 16. Would we normally be assessed as needing a 3 bedroom property?
Answer -Yes, this would be based on 1 bedroom for the couple, one for the boy aged 15 and one for each adult aged over 16.
I only have part-time access to my children – will I get a house?
Answer - It is possible but in high demand areas preference for larger properties and certain property types, such as houses, will be given to customers with full time access to children over other customers.
I need one more bedroom, will I only be awarded ‘Priority’ under the Housing Conditions stream?
Answer - You would need to be two bedrooms short to be awarded Priority under the Housing Conditions stream. Any welfare or hardship needs arising from being 1 bedroom short would be assessed under the Additional Needs stream.
Do I have to make a request for extension of priority in writing?
Answer - No you can request extensions of priority verbally, in person or in writing.
If I make a request for an extension of priority within the first 90 days of the priority period will it not be considered?
Answer - No it won’t we would advise you to continue bidding until you get to the 90 days then make your request.
Can sheltered accommodation only be let to customers under the age of 60 if they are on high rate Disability Living Allowance?
Answer - No, customers under 60 years of age can be considered for sheltered housing if they have been assessed by the Medical Housing team as requiring, and being eligible for, sheltered accommodation. This will include an assessment of the customer’s need for the warden service.
Before you re-advertise a property as a ‘first come first served property’ do you have to offer it to every suitable customer on the original shortlist?
Answer - Yes we do have to offer it to every suitable customer on the original shortlist.
If a customer in Priority Extra or Priority refuses an offer will they lose their priority preference?
Answer - Yes but only if we are satisfied that the offer made was reasonable.