Frequently Asked Questions

Applications forms for the waiting list will only be issued during the period it is open which in January. Applications will be allocated a reference and applicants will have 21 days to complete and return the form. Each applicant will recieve a leaflet about Co-operatives and a pre-questionnaire with the application form. Returned form will be cross referenced and marked as returned within two days of receipt. Application will be assessed and placed in relevant band and bed size folder in date order within two weeks of receipt. If application form does not contain all relevant information it will be placed in pending file. Applicant will be requested to provide information within three weeks. If information is not received applicant will be removed from assessment unless relevant circumstances have been accepted for extension.

Submit a written request to seek an exchange via registered office for the attention of South Road Committee. Co-operative or their managing agent Trident will then check request against criteria and provide written approval/rejection within 28 days. Upon receipt of approval to seek an exchange - identify the person(s) you wish to exchange your property with and obtain exchange proposal form from registered office. Complete exchange form with both your own and the other person(s) details and submit to registered office. South Road Co-operative or their managing agent Trident will arrange an interview with prospective tenant withing 3 weeks of receipt the completed forms. The outcomes of any exchange is less likely if: rent arrears on either account; under/over - occupying tenancy The outcome of any exchange is more likely if: no rent arrears on account; full occupation of property; meets co-operability criteria.

South Road Housing Co-operative wishes it to be known that it is an equal opportunities housing co-operative and is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and access to all of its services. In doing so it will have regard to the following relevant equal opportunities legislation: 1. Race Relations Act 1976 2. Sex Discrimination Act 1975 3. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 4. Disability Discrimination Act 1995 5. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 6. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 South Road Co-operative will strive to oppose all forms of discrimination within the co-operative and will activitely fight discrimination whenever it ocurrs. This means that: In carrying out its responsibilities and in all other activities, the co-operative will operate fair and anti-discriminatory policies and procedures. In the provision of housing of housing services - contracting of agencies, contractors and other bodies to assist to provide those services the co-operative will seek to ensure equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all persons. No person or group of persons applying for housing or for contracts with the co-operative will be treated less favourably than any person or group of persons because of their sex, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religious belief, class or physical or mental disability. In carrying out its equal opportunities policy, the co-op will actively assist disadvantaged groups to benefit from its housing services. The co-operative will pursue it committment to equal opportunity by striving to achieve fair representation of the community in which it serves. The co-operative recognises that tackling discrimination and disadvantage is an immense task and that work in this area will devlop over time. It is intended that no groups of people will be excluded. [For more information on this please see our Equality and Diversity Policies section located on our home page.]

As a responsible Landlord we will maximise the rental income of the Co-operative and provide a caring housing management service to our tenants. To enable us to do this tenants will be contacted at the earliest possible stage about rent arrears; not only in writing letters to tenants, but also by carrying out visits to the tenants homes. To maintain rent arrears at a minimal amount the Co-operative will yake any necessary action in line with procedure to achieve this aim. Tenants whose arrears results in court action being taken against them will be responsible to pay costs in addition to their existing arrears. Responsibilty to pay legal costs will apply whether the court action results in eviction or a Suspended Possession Order (SPO). Following a suspended possession order - if tenants miss 3 consecutive payments or one monthly payment in accordance to the court order and fail to bring their account up to date thereafter - the Co-operative will immediately apply to excute the warrant for eviction. [For more information on Rent Arrears please sess our policies section on our homepage.]

It is the aim of the Co-operative to provide a competent and professional service to all tenants and applicants to the Co-operative ensuring confidential information is respected and maintained at all times in accordance to the Co-operatives's legal and contractual obligations. To enable the Co-operative to achieve this aim the management committee will ensure all members are provided with relevant information related to thier role as a committee member at the first meeting following the Co-operatives Annual General Meeting (AGM). This information contains details of their individual roles and responsibilites and in particular the responsibilities they are accepting in relation to confidential information, how it is stored and the legal implications of any breach of such information. Each member will then complete a statement relating to this information confirming they have read and understood the document they are signing, which obligates them to abide by all relevant ploicies and procedures related to their role as a specific officer or a member of the committee. In addition to the above the Co-operative will provide guidance and offer training to all those elected onto the committe with particular reference to the Data Protection Act and Legal aspects affecting this policy. In the event of a breach of confidentiality the following areas within the tenancy handbook may be relevant: - Membership policy (page 15, 16) - Code of conduct ( page 17-19) - Complaints procedure (page 88-90) The RULES of the Co-operative will apply in all substantiated cases and the Co-operative will take action accordingly. The overall responsibility to ensure this policy is implemented and monitored will remi=ain that of the duly elected committee following the Co-operatice AGM each year. [For more information about South Road Housing Co-operative's confidentiality policy go to our home page.]