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Working in Partnership with:-
- Wigan Council
- Wigan & Leigh Housing
- Arena Housing Association
- Adactus Housing Association
- Riverside Housing Group
The Housing Scheme - how can we help you?
The following information will explain Wigan Council’s policy on letting properties. Wigan and Leigh Housing Company manages the policy on behalf of Wigan Council.
All properties are let through Wigan Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme which is called “A New Home – The Choice is Yours”.
How do I apply for a home?
You can get an application form from any Housing Office, Housing Options Property Shop or from our website. You will need to complete the form and return it to either the Property Shops or any Housing Office. If you need help to fill it in please tell us.
Please answer all questions and provide any supporting information requested.
For example:
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Two suitable references
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Equity details if you are a owner occupier
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Details of custody/access arrangements of any children
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Expect date of birth if you are pregnant
We aim to assess your application within 10 working days of receiving it and any supporting information. You will be notified by letter of your registration date, priority band and your reference number.
How does the housing scheme work?
Needs Based Homes(NBH)
Approximately 80% will be let based on housing need. Each property will be let to the applicant in the highest band with the earliest registration date who has expressed an interest in the property.
Time Based Homes (TBH)
Approximately 20% of properties will be let based on registration date only. Each property will be let to the applicant with the earliest registration date who has expressed an interest in the property.
Private Landlord Properties (PLP)
These properties are owned by a landlord who has been accredited by Wigan Council. Wigan Council only accredit landlords who's properties meet certain minimum standards. The properties must be fit for occupation, in good repair and be properly managed by the landlord. Please see individual properties for details about property criteria and contact the Housing Options Property Shop if you require any additional information.
How can I find out what properties are available?
Properties will be advertised on a weekly cycle from 9.00 a.m. Thursday until 5.30 p.m. on the following Tuesday.
Details of these properties can be found on:
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This website
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The Housing Options Property Shop Weekly (available from the Housing Options Property Shops, Housing Offices and libraries)
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By telephoning Wigan and Leigh Housings Contact Centre on 01942 705040 and asking for details of available properties.
Each property will have a short description, including the number of bedrooms, any special features and the weekly rent. Some properties will have a restriction known as property criteria, for example over 60s for sheltered housing and most bungalows or families with children for houses. If you do not meet the property criteria you will not be offered the property.
How can I express an interest in a property?
You can express an interest in properties by visiting, telephoning, e-mailing or writing to the Housing Options Property Shop or Housing Office, by ringing the Contact Centre or via our website.
You can now express your interest in properties by text. Just text APP followed by your reference number, then PROP followed by the void reference numbers of the properties to 07797 806546.
You have 6 days to express an interest in as many vacant properties as you wish.
Please consider the following before you express an interest in any advertised properties.
Are you ready to move?
Can you afford to move?
Is the property in the right area?
Is the property in the right Street?
If you have children are there places available in local schools?
What happens next?
The successful person will be contacted, usually by telephone, to offer them the property and arrange an accompanied viewing with a member of staff. If you have not been successful we will not contact you.
If the property requires any essential maintenance this will be carried out before the property is viewed.
If you decide to take the property arrangements will be made for you to sign the tenancy agreement at a Housing Office. Once you have signed the Tenancy Agreement you can have the keys to your new home.
All new tenancies will be introductory tenancies unless:
§ You are already a secure tenant with Wigan Council or another local authority
§ You are an assured tenant with a Housing Association or Housing Action Trust
Introductory tenancies are a probationary tenancy which lasts for twelve months. As long as you do not break any tenancy conditions it will be made into a secure tenancy after twelve months. However should we have any concerns over how the tenancy has been conducted this period may be extended before any further action is taken.
How long will it take before I am offered a property?
We can’t tell you exactly how long you will have to wait for a property. Waiting times depend on:
- The type and size of the home you need
- Whether or not it is available in the area you want
- The amount of demand from other applicants
There is currently a very high demand for Social Housing at present unfortunately the effect of this is that it is taking longer to re-house people looking for accommodation.
You can express an interest for a home anywhere within Wigan Borough. If you consider properties in a wide range of areas you may get a home more quickly.
If I am having difficulty understanding the scheme or using the service is there someone who can help?
Yes, we offer a Homefinder Scheme to help people who have difficulty using the service because of their personal circumstances. To find out more contact the Property Shops or any Area Housing Office.
If you want someone to act on your behalf to express an interest in properties, you can nominate someone to do this for example a family member.
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