Homelessness Policy and Procedure

TENANCY MANAGEMENT

Council Tax

Finance are informed when the applicant moves into accommodation which requires payment of Council Tax. Procedures and a standard form have been devised. All offices should have a list of properties requiring payment of Council Tax with a procedure to ensure this is updated timeously.

Monitoring Tenancy

The Accommodation Teamshould ensure access is gained to a furnished let, at least once a week. If a tenant is proving particularly difficult to make contact with, this should make us alert to the possibility that there may be a problem. If, after repeated attempts at contact, the tenant does not respond access should be gained to the property using the spare set of keys. It is important to stress that the tenant should be given at least 24 hours notice of the Accommodation Team's intent to enter the property with another member of staff.

Arrears Recovery

The Accommodation Team, during visits should ensure the applicant has a full entitlement to available benefits and that any charges they are responsible for are being met. Close communication and co-operation between the Accommodation Team and the Housing Benefit section is vitally important.

Permissions

Permission needs to be sought on overnight visitors and the number of night's people are allowed to stay away from their accommodation. There are clear guidelines for this when applicants are staying in Landsburgh House and Secession House.

Voids

There should be very few occasions when there is a void property. Maximising rental income has to be a priority and if the situation does arise where there is a need for a void period this should be relayed to the Homeless Service Manager.