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Frequently Asked Questions Top 10 FAQ's
Please choose a category or question:
Applicants
Residents
Miscellaneous
Applicants:
1) How do I get on the Housing List?
2) Will I start at the bottom of the list?
3) How many points do I have to earn?
4) How do I increase my points and do I get more the longer I'm on the waiting list?
5) What sort of properties do you have?
6) How are properties allocated?
7) How long will I have to wait?
8) I've been on your Waiting List for over a year and only had a couple of letters from you. Why?
9) What position am I on the waiting list? How close am I to the top?
10) Why did someone else get a house and I didn't even though we have the same circumstances?
11) What type of people are you able to help?
12) What areas do you cover?
13) How do I get on Waiting Lists out of the area?
14) How much are your rents?
15) How secure will my tenancy be?
16) What happens if I find my own alternative accommodation in the meantime?
17) Will I be able to buy the house in the future if I want to?
18) Will the property be carpeted?
Residents:

Clwb Seren:
1) Will rents have to go up to cover Clwb Seren costs?
2) When does it start?
3) Can tenants on Housing Benefit join in?
4) What is the catch?
5) Is it discrimination?
6) Will our info be passed to other organisations?
7) What happens to tenants with arrears who do not want to join Clwb Seren?
Miscellaneous:
1) Who runs NWHA?
 
Applicants:
Q: How do I get on the Housing List?

A: You need to contact the Association for an Application Pack and complete and return the application form to the Association as it operates a waiting list system for its properties. Applications are assessed and pointed on applicants’ current circumstances, taking into account things like medical situation, social reasons, overcrowding, etc. You will then be notified of your points assessment.
 
Q: Will I start at the bottom of the list?

A: The number of points awarded reflect your current circumstances.
 
Q: How many points do I have to earn?

A: There is no “magic number”! The waiting list is always changing as new people apply or people find somewhere to live, and everyone has points based on their own circumstances. When we have a vacant property, it is usually the person with the highest points that receives an offer. In some areas there is very high demand, so there will be a lot of competition between people with high points, but in some areas of low demand you may be able to get a home with fewer points.
Q: How do I increase my points and do I get more the longer I’m on the waiting list?

A: If your circumstances change, this could affect your points. For example, if you have any medical problems, please provide us with a letter from your doctor. If there are any problems regarding the condition of your present accommodation, you may wish to contact Environmental Health via your local council. A report from Environmental Health confirming any problems with the property may add to your points.

Points are not awarded for the length of time you are on the waiting list.

Q: What sort of properties do you have?

A: We mainly cater for families in 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses. We also have 1 and 2 bedroom flats for single, small families and elderly. Within our stock is a very small number of bungalows aimed at the elderly or disabled. Accommodation is also available through our Supported Housing Department for those needing supported accommodation.
Q: How are properties allocated?

A: When a property becomes available, a Housing Officer will shortlist the highest pointed applicants and visit before selecting one applicant/family for that property. Also, the Council has nomination rights on a least half of our vacancies. We also need to consider transfer applicants and "moveUK" applicants, who may have a priority need for moving.
Q: How long will I have to wait?

A: This depends on how many other people want the same type of property in the same area. When we are building a new estate or block of flats, we will know the number of vacancies we will have and when they will be ready. But if we have no new properties coming up, you may have to wait for somebody to move out of their home. Obviously we would not know when that may be likely to happen, so we would not be able to tell you.
Q: I’ve been on your Waiting List for over a year and only had a couple of letters from you. Why?

A: Only renewals are sent out every 6 months. Otherwise, only if you are being considered for a property and then a home visit is made.
Q: What position am I on the waiting list? How close am I to the top?

A: We cannot be specific as the waiting list is constantly changing with people coming off and going on.
Q: Why did someone else get a house and I didn’t even though we have the same circumstances?

A: Everyone has points based on their own circumstances. The information is confidential and there may be different circumstances that have not been shared with you. We cannot, and will not discuss other people’s circumstances.
Q: What type of people are you able to help?

A: As we have a limited supply of properties, we aim to prioritise those who are in greatest housing need who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market. These include elderly, families, homeless applicants, those with disabilities or additional support needs, etc.
Q: What areas do you cover?

A: We mainly cover the coastal areas of North Wales from Towyn to Caernarfon and parts of Ynys Mon, with occasional units/estates inland. Please see areas covered in application pack.
Q: How do I get on Waiting Lists out of the area?

A: Through the "moveUK" scheme (External Link) We will try to nominate to the area of choice. However a private tenant can only be nominated out of area by the Council and not us. There is also HOMESWAP, mutual exchange, etc. "moveUK" can also be contacted by email: info@moveuk.com
Q: How much are your rents?

A: This depends on the area and size of the property. The Welsh Assembly Government controls our rents, which are set by benchmarking with other Registered Social Landlords. The current average rent for a 3 bedroom five person house is approximately £55.36 (Conwy) & £53.95 (Gwynedd & Ynys Mon)
Q: How secure will my tenancy be?

A: Most of our tenancies are ‘Assured Tenancies’. This means that as long as you do not break any of the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement, the house is yours for as long as you want to stay there. However, all new residents have a type of Introductory Tenancy. These are called ‘Shorthold Tenancies’, which are normally issued for an initial one year but can be longer. However, in most cases these are normally converted into ‘Assured Tenancies’ at the end of one year.
Q: What happens if I find my own alternative accommodation in the meantime?

A: You would advise us of your move and a new form is sent for your completion. Your application will then be reassessed and you will be informed of new points.
Q: Will I be able to buy the house in the future if I want to?

A: Some of our tenants will have the Right to Acquire their house. Each application is subject to eligibility – please refer to our Right to Acquire page.
Q: Will the property be carpeted?

A: Not normally. However, sometimes we may give a tenant permission to leave behind a good quality clean carpet if they don’t need it at their new address.
 
Residents:
 
Clwb Seren:
Q: Will rents have to go up to cover Clwb Seren costs?

A: No. Clwb Seren should have no impact on rents. If customers use Clwb Seren, and abide by its rules, then many areas of wastage will be withdrawn, leaving adequate funds to run Clwb Seren.
Q: When does it start?

A: The first membership cards were dispatched in April 2005, membership started March 31 2005 and qualification for membership started on February 14 2005.
Q: Can tenants on Housing Benefit join in?

A: Of course. Membership benefits will be backdated in the event of a delayed HB claim, as long as the tenant has done everything asked of them by Housing Benefit. I.E. sending all requested documentation etc.
Q: What is the catch?

A: There really is no catch. All tenants have to do is look after their tenancy and respect their tenancy agreement that they have already signed. It is about us respecting customers, customers respecting us and the Association cutting out waste.
Q: Is it discrimination?

A: Of course not. Surveys elsewhere have shown customer support of almost 95%. Non members can still expect a high level of service from the Association but will not be able to access the extra benefits of membership.
Q: Will our info be passed to other organisations?

A: No. Our policy and privacy policies forbid this.
Q: What happens to tenants with arrears who do not want to join Clwb Seren?

A: Nothing, if they arrange a repayment schedule without us having to chase them for it. If they refuse to contact us or be contacted by us, we will pursue the debt to its conclusion.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miscellaneous:
Q: Who runs NWHA?

A: NWHA is run by a Board of Management who are elected at the Annual General Meeting. Individual tenants can become members of the Association by buying a £1 share and can stand for election to the Board at the Annual General Meeting. Please note though that Board members are not paid, although they can claim traveling and out of pocket expenses.