3. Registered social landlords including housing associations and co-operatives
3.1 Who can apply for housing to a Registered Social Landlord (housing association, etc)?
The Council's nomination agreement
Most Councils and housing associations and, sometimes, other providers operating in their area have nomination agreements to refer applicants off their waiting lists. It is important, however, to note that the agreement only gives the Council the right to suggest names of applicants - not to tell the association how to allocate its houses. Different arrangements operate for homeless households (September 2002).
Where and how to apply
As associations' allocation systems vary, further advice on the applications and allocations process and information about their stock should be obtained from local housing associations. Applicants and those who advise applicants should not hesitate to ask housing association staff for further information and advice if it is required. Further detailed written information is available, but staff are happy to discuss any questions arising.
Rent levels
Rents for housing association houses are generally somewhat higher than Council house rents. Rent levels for similar size properties, however, vary according to certain factors, including the remoteness of the location and the lack of services in the area and/or the amenities within the particular property such as what kind of heating system or size of kitchen it has. The average housing association rent in Scotland in 1998/99 was £37.35. The table below shows the average weekly rent for housing association by local authority area.
Housing association average weekly rents 2003:
Aberdeen City £42.12
Aberdeenshire £39.79
Angus £40.36
Argyll and Bute £41.37
City of Edinburgh £44.97
City of Glasgow £40.36
Clackmannanshire £43.46
Dumfries and Galloway £40.91
Dundee City £41.33
East Ayrshire £44.61
East Dunbartonshire £44.88
East Lothian £45.95
East Renfrewshire £50.03
Falkirk £36.96
Fife £50.25
Highland £41.81
Inverclyde £43.28
Midlothian £46.30
Moray £37.94
North Ayrshire £43.25
North Lanarkshire £44.65
Orkney Islands £43.27
Perth and Kinross £39.69
Renfrewshire £44.51
Scottish Borders £37.28
Shetland Islands £45.74
South Ayrshire £46.29
South Lanarkshire £43.08
Stirling £43.25
West Dunbartonshire £41.01
West Lothian £42.02
Western Isles £43.50
