lettings information A GUIDE FOR B.V.T. APPLICANTS AND TENANTS

About our properties

The Trust has around 2,500 properties in Birmingham mostly in Bournville, Northfield & Selly Oak, we also have properties in Nechells, Bordesley and Redditch.

Our properties comprise of bedsits, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom flats. 2 & 3 bedroom houses, very few 4 bedroom houses, 1 & 2 bedroom bungalows. There are also 3 sheltered schemes, aimed mainly for those applicants who are aged 60 years and over.

We also have around 500 properties in Telford where we are part of the Wrekin Housing Partnership. If you are interested in properties in Telford please contact our Telford office on 01952 293777 or write to: Courtside House, Telford Square, Telford, TF3 4EQ.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OUR WAITING LISTS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO HUGE DEMAND. WE DO NOT EXPECT TO REOPEN OUR LISTS BEFORE APRIL 2008.

WHO CAN APPLY TO THE TRUST?

The Trust will consider applications from various sources, however applicants must be over 18 years of age.

Birmingham City Council Nominations

- If you are a tenant of the local council you can ask them to nominate you to us for accommodation. Unfortunately due to our nomination agreement with the council we do not accept direct applications from council tenants. Your landlord will advise you of the procedure to follow for nomination.

Referrals from other Housing Associations

- If you are a tenant of another association, please contact your landlord direct, as there are nomination agreements in place through the HOMES scheme. Your landlord will advise you of the procedure to follow for nomination. We will not normally accept direct applications from tenants of other Housing Associations.

We will also consider referrals from other organisations such as: Voluntary Organisations, Local Advice Centres& other Housing Related Organisations. They should contact us directly in the first instance.

Direct Applications - If none of the above applies to you then you can apply directly to us by completing our application form.

All applications are assessed using a points system, which is explained in detail in our Policy and Procedures for Letting Homes booklet sent out with every application.

As Bournville Village Trust has a very low annual vacancy rate of around 200 properties each year, only those applicants with a demonstrated housing need will be accepted onto the waiting list. Our waiting list is estimated at 12 - 18 months, we are therefore unable to assist with immediate or emergency accommodation.

TRANSFERS

Existing tenants who wish to transfer to another property would need to complete a transfer form, available from all offices. All transfer requests will be assessed according to housing need in the same way as new applicants.