SSHA Tenants Enhancement Charter

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Tenant EnhancementCharter

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Help to enhance your homeWe want our tenants to be proud of their homes, and we hope that this charter will help you do this.

South Shropshire Housing Association could pay half of the cost of the improvement that you would like to carry out. You will be responsible for paying the other half to the contractor.

All you have to do is apply to the Tenants Enhancement Charter, and we will assess the work to make sure that you meet the criteria.

The work can be small, for example an outside tap, or it can be as large as an extension project. The maximum amount that we can pay is £10,000.

How to applyYou will need to apply in writing to the neighbourhood services team. You will need to include details of the project, and two quotations for the work. Total Response Ltd, Shropshire Housing Group’s repairs and maintenance company may be able to provide a quote for you. You can contact them on 01588 676200, or email [email protected].

Are you eligible?All SSHA tenants are eligible to apply to the charter, as long as you meet the following criteria:

• You have to have been a tenant for 2 years.

• You are not in arrears with your rent, service charge, or anyother charges.

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• You have maintained an excellent rent, service charge or other charge payment relationship with SSHA for 2 years. This does not mean that you have never had rent arrears, but you have dealt with the debt responsibly.

• Your household has not been involved in any anti-social behaviour during the last 2 years.

• You have kept the internal and external parts of your home at an acceptable standard of decoration and maintenance.

• You have never made structural or major alterations to your home without written consent from SSHA.

The neighbourhoods team will assess your eligibility.

If you wish to appeal against the decision made about your eligibility, you can do this through the complaints procedure.

Large projectsLarge projects, such as home extensions or garages will need approval from the Director of Assets & Development, and planning approval from the local council.

Decision makingApplicants will be treated on a first come first served basis. We will make sure that you meet the criteria before your project is presented to a monthly panel. They will make a decision based on the quality of the project, the cost of the project and your ability to afford it. The panel is made up of four tenants, who will be anonymous.

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The meetings will be attended by one of SSHA’s officers who will have the role of chair, and in the event of disagreement, the chair will have the casting vote.

SSHA will aim to make a decision within four weeks of receiving the initial request. We will inform you, in writing of the decision.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy isn’t it my landlord’s responsibility?Maintenance of your home is SSHA’s responsibility. This charter allows you the flexibility to improve your home either ahead of SSHA’s programme or to do work which is currently outside of a landlord’s obligations. For example:

If your kitchen is fairly new and SSHA plan to change it in 8 year’s time, then this charter allows you to install a kitchen now.

If you require an extension to your property that is not funded from an adaptations budget, you will have the flexibility to carry out the extension.

What type of projects are allowed?Any project that adds value to the property will be considered up to a maximum value of £10,000. Examples are:

• An outside tap • A patio

• A conservatory • Off road parking

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How do I apply?Apply in writing to the neighbourhoods team with details of the project including two quotations, plans and information as to who will be completing the work.

Will further details be required?When we have received your application, depending on the size of the project we may request further information, for example, an extension will require planning approval, or conservation officer approval, which is your responsibility. We may also visit you to check the suitability of the work.

How many times can I apply?You can apply as many times as you like, subject to meeting the eligible criteria each time, and satisfactory completion of previous work.

Who can do the work?Shropshire Housing Group’s repairs and maintenance company, Total Response Ltd, or a reputable and qualified local tradesman can carry out the work. Any tradesman must have received excellent references when SSHA seek them. We may ask for references if the tradesmen are not known to us.

How do I pay?You are responsible for payment to the contractor; SSHA will pay you for half the cost of the work in an agreed timescale.

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How can I pay for the project?You will be expected to pay your half of the costs directly to the contractor. If you are unable to fund this payment in one lump sum you can access a loan from Just Credit Union. You do not have to be an existing Credit Union member to apply for a loan. Your loan application will be assessed based on your financial history and your ability to be able to make loan repayments.

You can apply for a loan once you have received a decision from SSHA. The Credit Union will normally make a decision within 5 working days of receiving your application and all relevant information. You are advised not to proceed with any work until you have received a decision from Just Credit Union in writing.

Just Credit Union are Shropshire’s Credit Union. If you are a resident in Herefordshire, please contact the neighbourhoods team to discuss how they can assist you in this process.

How do I receive the grant?For small projects we will pay you in one lump sum at the start of the project. For larger projects we will agree staged payments to suit your contractor. A cheque will be sent to you and will be made payable to the contractor.

Who checks the work?SSHA will check the works at appropriate intervals but compliance with the agreed specification is your responsibility. This may mean

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we will require access to your property before the work starts. You must make sure that the work meets any agreed specification.

What happens when the project is finished?You must inform the neighbourhoods team so we can arrange a final inspection.

Will I have to carry out repairs and maintenance?You will be responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance to the parts of the building affected by the project. You will also be responsible for additional costs incurred by SSHA due to the project in the future, for example scaffolding over conservatories.

Will the improvement affect my rent?Any rent change will be carried out as part of a wider review, rather than on a property by property basis. SSHA reserves the right to recalculate rents in line with our regulator’s rent restructuring policy based on increased property valuations.

What happens when I leave the property?The improvement will remain with the property. If you leave the property, having fully complied with the charter, and repaid any money owed for the improvement, you will be eligible for compensation calculated in line with the right to compensation policy. If you are a shared owner, you will not be eligible for compensation, as the improvement will increase the property’s value.

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Equal Opportunities statement We recognise the damage that disadvantage and discrimination can cause. We are committed to equal opportunities and will take positive steps to ensure that you will not be treated less favourably than anyone else in your dealings with us because of race, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

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South Shropshire Housing AssociationThe Gateway, The Auction Yard, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9BWTel: 01588 676200 Email: [email protected]

Shropshire Housing Group consists of the following organisations

Shropshire Housing Group consists of the following organisations

Equal Opportunities statement


Documents

SSHA Tenants Enhancement Charter