Affordability
All applicants who apply to the Authority to be housed, undergo an affordability assessment including identifying any outstanding housing debt; the calculation of realistic predictions of running costs and expenses help applicants to identify the sustainability of a tenancy for themselves and to gain support pre-tenancy. All offers of accommodation are conditional upon the applicant continuing to meet the necessary criteria and qualification, up to the point of the signing of a Tenancy or Occupancy Agreement.
Ensuring the tenant’s ability to sustain a tenancy is key prior to the start of a tenancy. The Authority has effective systems in place to clear debts through support, signposting and the identification of barriers that could prevent a tenant from sustaining a tenancy. Clear expectations are set by the Authority and advice is provided about managing rent to support tenants to understand the importance of paying their rent and the service available to support them with this. Details are also provided about how to pay their rent and make the required payment at the required time. We expect RPs who operate in the Borough to adopt the same approach.