Abandonment
A tenant gives up their home without giving notice to the landlord.
Accessible Housing
Housing designed to be used by everyone without any special adaptations being required.
Accountability
An organisation's obligations towards its members, tenants, service users, local communities, local authorities, government and other partners. For Registered Social Landlords this includes the demonstration of proper use of public funds.
Adaptations
Alterations to a home for people who are disabled or have a sensory impairment. Adaptations help people to remain in their homes.
Affordable housing
Housing of a reasonable quality that people on modest incomes can afford. In some areas the market can provide some or all of the affordable housing that is needed. In other places housing needs to be provided at a cost below market value to meet an identified need.
Affordable home ownership
The Government is committed to providing high quality housing for people who are unable to access or afford market housing. As well as helping people make the step from social-rented housing to home ownership. These initiatives recognize the importance of affordable housing in creating sustainable, safe and prosperous communities.
Affordable rent
Households in low paid employment are able to pay without needing to receive housing benefit.
Agency agreement
An arrangement where one organisation carries out services on behalf of another, usually for a fee. For example, development, factoring, housing support and care.
Agreement in principle certificate (AIP)
This shows how much a bank or building society will lend. The AIP will take account of the applicant’s monthly income and out goings and is based solely on the information provided. If the relevant information is not provided accurately the lender will revise the figures when the documents are eventually provided and sometimes decline cases where detrimental information comes to light. Because of this, AIPs have limited value and are generally used by lenders as a marketing tool.
Allocations policy
The set of published rules which a housing association/Registered Social Landlord uses to let its houses.
Allpay
A rent payment system using a swipecard to pay online via the Link website, at Post Offices, Paypoint terminals, in shops or at Link offices.
Almshouse
Form of charitable housing that provides accommodation for older people or the homeless. Some almshouses are Registered Social Landlords, but their residents have different rights to tenants of none almshouse Registered Social Landlords.
Amenity housing
Flats or houses with special modifications for people with particular needs, who are not supported by a warden or sheltered housing officer. For example, amenity housing for older people could include bathroom handrails, non-slip flooring and repositioned electrical sockets.
Annual accounts
Registered Social Landlords, which are registered as Industrial & Provident Societies, are required to approve an audited set of Accounts within six months of their year end. Then submit them to the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
The Accounts will include details of income and expenditure, a balance sheet and an external auditor's opinion. Companies (including Companies Limited by Guarantee) are also required to lodge audited accounts with Companies House within ten months of their year end.
Many Registered Social Landlords complement their Accounts by publishing an Annual Report which features key results and achievements during the previous year.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
An Annual General Meeting is held by an organisation at about the same time every year. At the Meeting they report on the organisation’s work over the last year, present the accounts to their members and elect a new committee.
Annual Performance and Statistical Return (APSR)
The APSR gives details of a Registered Social Landlord's performance each year in terms of it’s development and growth, housing service delivery, financial situation, staffing levels, etc.
Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)
An ASBO is an injunction taken out against individuals who have been causing persistent acts of Anti Social Behaviour. The ASBO might ban them from entering a particular area (such as an estate or district). Local Authorities and police can issue ASBOs against any individual over 10 years old. Breaching the order carries a 5 year prison sentence. The Government is currently considering changing the law to allow Housing Associations to issue ASBOs.
Assured shorthold tenancy
Assured shorthold tenancies give the tenant the right to occupy a property for a fixed period of time, provided that they keep to the terms of their Tenancy Agreement. At the end of the fixed period of time (often 12 months), the landlord or the tenant has the right to terminate the tenancy. Assured shorthold tenancies can be renewed for another fixed period of time if both parties agree to it.
Assured tenancy
Since January 1989 all new tenants of housing associations have assured tenancies. They have fewer rights in law than secure tenants, although Housing Corporation guidance requires some of these rights be written into assured tenancy agreements.
Audit Commission
"Independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services." (Audit Commission website) The Housing Inspectorate is part of the Audit Commission. Click the following link to view the Audit Commission’s website (opens in a new window):
www.auditcommission.gov.uk
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Balanced communities
To try and make a disadvantaged community more like the wider population. Attracting more people who are in work, in different age or ethnic groups, are home owners, etc.
Barrier free housing
Houses designed to be able to be used by people with a range of needs.
Benchmarking
Assessing an organisation’s performance by comparing it to that of other organisations of a similar size and purpose.
Below the tolerable standard (BTS)
A legal term that describes a building that does not have standard amenities and/or is not structurally sound. For example, BTS houses may lack thermal insulation, safe electrical systems, adequate hot and cold water supplies, etc.
Best value
To achieve continuous improvement in performance, based on the cost and quality of services and the views and expectations of customers. Local authorities have a legal duty to achieve 'best value', and 'Performance Standards' place a similar obligation on Registered Social Landlords.
Block insurance policy
A number of houses, usually all of the landlord's houses, are covered by one insurance policy. It is easier to administer than individual insurance for each house.
BME
A term for people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups.
Board/Management Committee
Group of people who have volunteered or been elected to control the affairs of a housing association. They can come from all walks of life but must have some interest or experience which relates to the work that the housing association does and the community it serves. It may also be called a Management Committee, Management Board, Board, or Board of Trustees.
Brownfield site
A planning term to describe a piece of land which has been developed before. (Compare with ‘Greenfield Site’ below).
BS EN ISO 9001:2000
A quality building standard that meets UK, European and International agreed criteria.
Budget
The amount of money an organisation estimates it will spend in one year.
Building standards regulations
Regulations made to ensure that construction, alteration, extension or demolition of buildings complies with certain minimum standards.
Burden
An obligation which comes with owning a property, the details can be found in the Title Deed.
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Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
A Citizens Advice Bureau can give free advice and information to local people, in person or by telephone. They advise on problems like benefits, debt and consumer rights. Click on the following link to view the Citizens Advice Bureau website (opens in a new window):
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Capital expenditure
The money that landlords spend on buying land, or building and improving housing.
Care and repair
A scheme administered by some registered social landlords and part funded by local authorities. It helps elderly residents to repair their homes by helping them to hire appropriate contractors, or to access local authority repair and improvement grants for this purpose.
Care at home
Visiting or ‘floating’ support provided to residents to help them stay in their homes and not have to move to a residential home or a hospital.
Care Commission
Makes sure that support providers meet national standards which are based on your rights to dignity, privacy, choice, safety, and equality. Projects (including sheltered housing) receive regular inspection visits. Click the following link to view the Care Commission’s website (opens in a new window):
www.carecommission.com
Care in the community
A Government initiative to move people with special needs out of hospitals and institutions, and into more mainstream accommodation. Giving them access to community-based services.
Charitable status
The majority of housing associations are charities. Charitable status gives Housing Associations certain privileges (e.g. tax advantages) but limits the objectives and activities the association can carry out. These have to be for `charitable purposes`. Housing associations with charitable status can be charitable trusts or companies, or industrial and provident societies. They can also be registered charities (registered with the Charity Commission) or exempt charities.
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
A professional membership body for people who work in housing. Click the following link to view the CIH website (opens in a new window):
www.cih.org
Choice based lettings
A system where applicants for housing choose from a range of vacant properties on offer, usually advertised in local or national newspapers. This differs from waiting lists systems where the applicants wait for an offer from the landlord.
Cluster flat
A flat where a number of people hold an individual tenancy, primarily of their own bedrooms, but share the use of common spaces. This management arrangement is often used for special needs purposes, for example, people with learning disabilities, with care and support being provided by a specialist agency.
Code of conduct
A code of conduct is a list of guidelines that describe how members of a committee or group are expected to carry out their duties and conduct themselves when at meetings, or acting on behalf of their organization.
Committee
A Committee is a group of people elected by an organisation’s members to carry out the work of the organisation. The Committee organises group meetings, and the group’s Annual General Meeting and is responsible for carrying forward any decisions made at these meetings. Committees should always have a Chair, Secretary and a Treasurer.
Commission for Equality and Human Rights
An independent organisation set up to tackle all discrimination and promote equality. It represents all discrimination law, replacing the Equal Opportunities Commission, Disability Rights Commission and Commission for Racial Equality. It will also incorporate religion/belief, sexual orientation and age discrimination.
Common Housing Register (CHR)
A list of all applicants for social housing within a given area (usually a local authority area) which is used by all social landlords in that area. Sometimes referred to as a common waiting list. Registered Social Landlords retain their own allocations policies.
Common repairs
Repairs to the external of the multi-storey property (apartments), the cost of which is shared among the owners.
Community care
The provision of services and support to their own homes to people with special needs, for example, older people or people with learning disabilities.
Community chest
Communities in the 88 Local Authority areas eligible for Neighbourhood Renewal Funds will also be eligible for funding through Community Chests. This will support participation in community self-help and mutual support activity. Click the following link to view the communities and local government website (opens in a new window):
www.communities.gov.uk/communities/neighbourhoodrenewal/
Community development
Generic term covering the process of building active and sustainable communities by giving residents access to information and training to enable them to take control of their communal life.
Community fund
New name for the National Lottery Charities Board. Community Fund gives out grants from money raised through sale of National Lottery tickets.
Community planning
When community representatives, local councillors, partnership voluntary and public sector representatives get together to promote wellbeing and ensure more efficient delivery of local services.
Community regeneration
To take a coordinated approach to improve the social, economic and environmental aspects of an area. Better housing and community facilities and more jobs.
Completion
This happens when the solicitors from both sides complete the transaction on behalf of the buyer and the seller. All documents, money etc are handed over and it is at this point that the buyer becomes the legal owner of the property and can move in.
Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
Legal powers of a local authority to buy land or buildings without the agreement of the owner. Used if an owner won't cooperate in essential housing renewal works.
Constitution
The legal and procedural framework which governs the way an organisation works. For Registered Social Landlords the constitution is called the Rules and, for a company, Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Consultant
A professional who is employed to carry out a particular task for a fee, for example, architect, quantity surveyor, engineer, etc.
Convenyancing
The term for legal work involved in buying a property. It is usually carried out by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Co-operative
Generally smaller than typical Registered Social Landlords, these have a stronger link between tenants and members. In a fully mutual co-op, all tenants are members and all members are tenants or prospective tenants.
Co-ownership
A form of tenure in which all residents jointly owned their homes and estates, having some of the advantages of home ownership and some of renting. Most common between 1970 and 1982.
Corporate social responsibility
How business deals with its economic, social and environmental effects - increasing the benefits and reducing 'downsides'.
Cost floor
The original costs of producing a property, including the costs of any major refurbishments. The cost floor figure is used to calculate the selling price of a property under the Right to Buy. A tenant who qualifies cannot receive a discount which will take the selling price below the cost floor. Only costs incurred during the ten years before the application to purchase are included in the cost floor. So, eligible tenants can purchase for less than the outstanding loan debt provided they wait for ten years after any major works are carried out.
Council (Local Authority)
Councils are the statutory housing bodies for their local areas. Some have combined their housing operations with other functions, for example, Social Work. Councils publish Local Housing Strategies and administer Community Planning, homelessness, housing benefit, grants to owners and development funding for Registered Social Landlords.
Council housing transfer / large scale voluntary transfer / stock transfer
The process by which a local authority (Council) transfers the ownership and management of its Housing stock to a not-for-profit Registered Social Landlord. (Before the transfer can take place, a vote is usually conducted to see if tenants are in favour of it. If they are not, the local authority cannot go ahead with the transfer). The new landlord takes over responsibility for managing properties, rents, repairs, maintenance etc. The local authority continues to manage all non-housing related services (such as refuse collection, street lighting etc).
Council tax benefit
Both Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit are related to income and savings, and they are administered by local authorities according to complex rules set by the Government. People who receive the guarantee part of Pension Credit will usually receive full help with their rent and council tax payments.
Credit union
Credit unions are locally based savings schemes that provide low cost loans to people on a low income. Click the following link to view a credit union website (opens in a new window):
www.abcul.org
Crime and Disorder Act 1998
Gave Local Authorities extra powers to deal with people who commit acts of antisocial behaviour.
Customer service centre or customer information team
A central, single point of contact for tenants and other customers to make enquiries or report repair requests.
Cyclical maintenance
These works are included in a planned programme which deals with the gradual and predictable deterioration of building components. This category of maintenance includes, for example, painting window frames regularly. It also includes the statutory obligations of a landlord to regularly inspect certain items (for example, gas-fired appliance safety checks).
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Data Protection / Data Protection Act
Under the Data Protection Act (1998), individuals have certain rights to access information that is being held about them by organisations and companies. These organisations and companies also have a responsibility under the Act to store and use the data that they hold in a responsible way. Click the following link to view the Information Commissioner’s website (opens in a new window):
www.ico.gov.uk
Day to day repairs
These are emergency or urgent repairs and repairs which cannot be left to the cycle of programmed maintenance without posing a threat to the safety, health and security of the tenant, the deterioration of the building or the landlord's repair obligations. Also known as reactive or responsive repairs.
Decanting
Residents, either tenants or owners, are temporarily rehoused while their property is improved. They will either be moved back into their property after improvement or into another permanent home.
Decent homes standard
The Decent Homes Standard is a target set by Government for all social housing providers to meet set standards of design for their homes by 2010. In brief, a decent home will have to pass four tests: - 1. It has to meet the current statutory minimum standards for housing 2. It needs to be in a reasonable state of repair 3. It needs to have reasonably modern facilities and services 4. It needs to provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. The government has produced more detailed guidance in their publication “Decent homes standard: revised definition and guidance” available from their website, click the following link to view their website (opens in a new window):
www.housing.odpm.gov.uk
Decentralisation
A process by which local authority departments make their services more local, for example by having a number of smaller estate offices instead of one central office in the town hall.
Deed of conditions
A legal document which sets down the rights and responsibilities of the various owners and factors in a tenement or multi-storey properties. Normally sets out the proportionate share of common repairs for each individual property.
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
This Act requires organisations to make sure that they do not discriminate against any individual on grounds of disability. This includes indirect discrimination where an individual may be unable to work in certain premises because of access or mobility problems. Click the following link to view the website (opens in a new window):
www.disability.gov.uk
Disturbance payment
Payment made to a tenant or owner who suffers disruption from work done to their property after it has been declared a Housing Action Area.
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Environmental Improvements Fund (EIF)
The Neighbourhood Teams have funds each year to pay for physical improvements residents want to see in their shared environment. This could be anything from a seat in a shared garden, a noticeboard or play equipment to outside lighting or landscaping. For more information or if you have a suggestion, contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer.
Equality and Diversity
There are a range of definitions of equal opportunities including "equality of opportunity", "equality of outcome", "equal treatment", "equity", "fairness" and "justice". Equality and diversity includes opposing institutional and other forms of discrimination and promoting participation and inclusion.
Equity loan
This is a means of helping people into home ownership. The buyer purchases a share of their home with their savings and/or a conventional mortgage. The remaining share of the home is financed through an equity loan by another party, typically a Housing Association. This is recognized in the form of a percentage of the property value, for example 25%. When the homeowner comes to sell the home, the provider of the loan would be entitled to receive back the same percentage of the properties value.
Estate management
Policies and procedures dealing with issues which arise concerning property, environment and residents.
European Union (EU) Procurement Law
EU treaty and procurement directives state that contracts of all types and sizes must be awarded without discrimination on grounds of nationality or locality. Registered Social Landlords must therefore advertise large building and maintenance works in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU, formerly OJEC) to allow potential contractors from throughout the EU to bid.
Eviction
When a tenant is removed from their home against their will by a bailiff following the serving of a Possession Order.
Eviction decree
An order made in court, giving a landlord the right to evict a tenant.
Exchange of contracts
This is when the buyer and seller agree to sign contracts prepared by the solicitors. This is also the point when the deposit will be taken. The contract is legally binding and if either party pulls out after exchange of contracts, substantial penalties will be imposed.
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Factoring
The process of managing and maintaining property in multiple ownership either by a Registered Social Landlord, a specially appointed agent or by one of the owners. In tenements, the tradition is for factors to be independent agents acting for a variety of owners. Factoring can apply to the 'closes' and other common parts of a tenement and also common areas in estates where footpaths, play areas and landscaped areas have not been adopted by the council. The factor may also administer communal insurances.
Financial inclusion
Measures taken, usually locally, to help people and groups get access to funding they would normally be denied because they do not have a bank or building society account. Credit unions and other community banking initiatives help increase financial inclusion.
Flexible tenure
A form of tenure where residents can switch from renting to owning, and vice versa.
Focus group
Draws together people for a discussion on a specific topic and aims to find out what people think, feel, believe and their reasons for doing so, but not to reach any agreement. Mainly used as a research technique.
Foyer
Foyers provide accommodation for young homeless people. Unlike hostels, they take an active role in helping their residents gain access to training, education, and employment, and to gain independent living skills. Click the following link to view the Foyer Federation’s website (opens in a new window):
www.foyer.net
Freehold
A freehold indicates that the property and land upon which it is built is completely and absolutely legally owned by the person offering the sale.
Full structural survey
This is a survey of the structural condition of the property, undertaken by a qualified surveyor. This type of survey is normally reserved for properties of unusual construction, older properties that have been heavily extended and is generally considered to be the most comprehensive of the survey types.
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Governance
This term describes the collective conduct and practices of the Registered Social Landlords management committee or board in carrying out its responsibilities. The leadership, direction and control of the Registered Social Landlord should make sure that it achieves its agreed aims and, in doing so, best serves the interests of its stakeholders and the general public.
Greenfield site
Land which has not previously been developed. (Contrast with ‘Brownfield Site’ above).
Group structure
More than one organisation is linked through a parent/subsidiary relationship.
Guarantee company / company limited by guarantee
A form of company which is popular in the voluntary sector. Members do not buy shares but guarantee a maximum payment of a small sum (usually £1) in the event of financial difficulty. Board members are unpaid. A minimum membership of 2 people is required.
Home Information Pack (HIP)
Before a property is put up for sale, key information will be made available to buyers helping them to be better prepared and better informed to make decisions. It is the responsibility of the seller to pay for and make the report available to prospective buyers.
HomeBuy
A term used to describe the choice of housing product. New Build HomeBuy (NBHB), Open Market HomeBuy (OMHB) and Social HomeBuy (SHB) are designed to help people into affordable home ownership.
HomeBuy Agents
HomeBuy Agents work closely with council housing departments and housing associations at a local level. They will be able to tell you what affordable housing exists in your area and how to apply.
Homeless
Someone who doesn’t "have a roof over their head". Also someone who is under threat of eviction, living inappropriately in an institution or sharing with friends or family.
Homestake
Original pilot scheme aimed at helping people on low incomes who wanted to be home owners but could not afford to pay the full price for a house. Housing associations funded part of the price of the house, using a Homestake grant, and retained a corresponding equity in the property. Homestake was replaced in early 2008 by a very similar scheme called LIFT.
Homeswapper
Homeswapper is a national mutual exchange website that we currently pay your subscription to. It has benefited many residents to find homes more appropriate to their needs. Click the following link to view the Homeswapper website (opens in a new window):
www.homeswapper.co.uk
Housing Association (also known as Registered Social Landlords)
Associations that provide affordable housing to people with a defined housing need. Housing Associations are not-for-profit organisations and are regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency.
Housing benefit
A means-tested benefit payable to low-income households to cover their housing costs. Payment is made by the DSS via local authorities.
Housing for varying needs
Homes which are adapted or adaptable in future for people whose families will expand or who might be or become physically disabled.
Housing co-operative
1. PRIMARY CO-OP A group of seven or more people who agree to work together in a co-operative to provide decent housing for their members. 2. TENANT MANAGEMENT CO-OP (TMC) Where local authority or housing association tenants take on the management (but not ownership) of their own homes and estates.
Housing Inspectorate
Under the Best Value regime all local authority and housing association`s housing services will be inspected to check they are showing continuous improvement and providing value for money. This external inspection is carried out by the Audit Commission`s Housing Inspectorate team.
Housing Officer
Person employed by a local authority or housing association to carry out a range of Housing Management duties, which may include Tenant Participation if there is no dedicated Tenant Participation Officer.
Housing Ombudsman Service
In charge of investigating complaints made about Housing Associations. Before the HOS can be called in to investigate, the person making the complaint must have been through the Association’s own Complaints procedure. The HOS only investigate complaints made against landlords who are members of the HOS scheme. Click the following link to view the Housing Ombudsman website (opens in a new window):
www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk
Housing options
This is jargon, or shorthand, that's used more and more amongst people who work in housing or advice & information services. We use it here to reflect a postive approach to making decisions about how and where we live. Whatever has led us to start thinking about our home, how we live there, what we may need in terms of help or care as we get older, there are usually choices to make, 'options' to consider.
Housing in multiple occupation
Properties in which more than one household share basic amenities.
Housing support
Systems of help and advice for a range of people in different tenures to help them live independently in their communities. Aspects of support include rent and benefits, cooking, bills, furnishing and life skills to assist them in community integration and to take control of their lives.
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Improvement for sale (IFS)
The improvement of sub standard housing to encourage and assist low cost owner occupation particularly in areas where there are few owner occupiers.
Improvement grants
Grants paid by the local authority to owner-occupiers and private landlords to help them to improve their property to meet standards set by the Government.
Income reference
Most lenders will ask for proof of income, usually three months’ pay slips and a P60 and possibly three months’ bank statements. They will also occasionally write to the employer for confirmation of income, length of service and pay structure. For self employed applicants 2 years accounts will be required and very often a reference from the accountant.
Industrial and Provident Society (I&P Soc)
A membership organisation established under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act. Members pay £1 to join. Management committee members are volunteers. Most Scottish Housing Associations / Registered Social Landlords are I&P Societies.
Inspection
This is the process under Best Value in which the regulatory agency (which at the moment is the Audit Commission) goes out in the field to examine what is actually happening in local authority housing departments and housing associations.
Introductory tenancies
The Housing Act 1996 allows councils to offer introductory tenancies to new tenants. These last one year and then change to a secure tenancy if the tenant has not broken the terms of the agreement. It is discretionary whether local authorities choose to do this or not, but if they do, then it must apply to all new tenants.
Investors in People
An accreditation system for organisations which achieve certain standards in staff management and training.
Joint funding
Money from banks, building societies and sometimes from local authorities to help housing associations to provide special types of homes, for example hostel schemes.
Joint tenancy
Where two or more people share a property and the tenancy agreement for the property.
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Key lines of enquiry (KLOE)
Key Lines of Enquiry form the basis on which the Audit Commission makes inspection judgements for local authorities (including ALMOs) and registered social landlords in England. "Key lines of enquiry detail what will be covered in inspections and the standard expected of excellent and fair housing services." (Audit Commission website)
Key worker
A term used by Government to define people who do jobs that are essential to the community, such as Firefighters, Nurses, Teachers etc. Keyworkers often struggle to find housing in areas where house prices are very high, leading to shortages of essential workers in places such as London.
Land register
System for registering property ownership.
Large scale voluntary transfer (LSVT)
The process of transferring the ownership of tenanted public sector homes to another landlord, with the consent of the majority of the tenants. Secure tenants who transfer to a landlord in this way keep their right to buy and their rights of succession.
Leasehold
This is where land or buildings are let to a tenant and the tenant is able to sell the lease. The interest sold is called the leasehold, meaning it is held on a lease. In all cases of leasehold a ground rent will be payable. In general terms, leaseholds apply to flats and maisonettes.
Lender’s report or homebuyers report
This is a detailed survey that is carried out on behalf of the buyer. This is less detailed than the structural report and is the type of survey commonly used by most buyers, particularly for second hand properties. This report includes a property valuation which is used by the lender for assessing the mortgage.
Legislation
Law.
Lifetime homes
A term used to describe homes which meet, or can easily be adapted to meet, the changing needs of households over time.
Local Authority (also referred to as the Council)
A term used to define a body providing and managing local public services (such as housing) in a defined area, e.g. District Councils, County Councils and Metropolitan Boroughs. Social Landlords are usually Local Authorities or Housing Associations.
Local housing organisation (LHO)
A term commonly used to describe a company which is set up by a local authority to own and/or manage social rented housing.
Local housing strategies
Local authorities make a comprehensive assessment of housing needs and conditions, and produce strategies to tackle the housing problems in their area over a five-year period.
Low cost home ownership (LCHO)
A term for the various categories of ownership offered by organizations, for example, Improvement for Sale (IFS) or Shared Ownership.
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Major repairs
Improvements to housing stock that are too substantial to be covered by normal allowances for repairs and maintenance work.
Management and maintenance allowances
These are the figures used in the grant calculation by Communities Scotland as estimates of Registered Social Landlord's running costs.
Market rent
Rents are set according to what people are prepared to pay.
Mediation
A method of resolving disputes between two parties using a third, external party, known as a ‘Mediator’. The Mediator, who must be neutral in the dispute, aims to bring the two opposing parties to an understanding of the issues, including each other’s point of view, thus reaching an agreed resolution to the dispute.
Membership
Every Registered Social Landlord must have a membership policy. Members are, in effect, the owners of the landlord body and the management committee and board are elected by and from the membership.
Mental welfare commission
An independent organisation set up by Parliament to protect the welfare of people with mental disorder.
Mixed tenure
A range of types of accommodation in terms of ownership and occupation, for example, social rented, market rented, shared ownership and outright owner occupation.
Mixed use
These are schemes where there are a variety of uses on the development. These are normally a mix of commercial and residential. Normally the commercial section will have restricted use i.e. no restaurants or takeaways on the ground floor.
Modern methods of construction
This is an initiative developed to encourage greater efficiency in the construction and maintenance of social housing. The aim is to improve the standard of social housing and achieve better value for money.
Mortgage to rent
An owner sells their home to a Registered Social Landlord which then rents it back to them.
Mystery shopping
A form of market research which uses customers to assess service standards. This involves training individuals to pose as customers and undertake a series of agreed tasks, which are aimed monitoring service delivery. Mystery shopping can be carried out in person, by telephone, by letter, by e-mail, over the Internet or in any way that customers interact with an organisation.
Neighbourhood Initiatives Budget (NI)
The Neighbourhood Teams have money to support neighbourhood action in priority communities (our high and medium input neighbourhoods). This is part of our Building Communities Together partnership with residents. For more information contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer.
New deal for communities
The New Deal for Communities is a new fund set up in 1998 to help turn around the poorest neighbourhoods. The programme supports plans that bring together local people, community and voluntary organisations, public agencies, local authorities and business in an intensive local focus to tackle the problems of poor job prospects, high levels of crime, rundown environments, etc.
National Housing Federation (NHF)
Provides information and support for its members and develops common policies and guidelines for housing associations to follow. Click the following link to view the National Housing Federation’s website (opens in a new window):
www.housing.org.uk
National home efficiency rating (NHER)
A measure of energy efficiency in buildings.
New housing partnerships
A government initiative aimed at encouraging local authorities to transfer their housing stock into community ownership through the provision of funding.
Nomination
The process of selecting prospective tenants for vacant properties. It is often a requirement of grant that landlords accept nominations from their local authority for 50% of any vacant houses.
Not-for-profit
A term used to describe an organisation which does not distribute its profits or surpluses to its shareholders but retains them for re-investment in the business itself.
Notice of proceedings for recovery of possession (NOP)
Formal notice by the landlord that eviction action is being started. The notice must be in writing and has a legally-prescribed content.
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Owner occupier
Someone who has purchased their home.
Part exchange
Part exchange can be very useful but you are advised to compare the price offered with the full market value. We suggest you seek professional legal and financial advice before signing any contract.
Partnering
Registered Social Landlords and others working together with consultants, contractors and suppliers in a spirit of co-operation to improve efficiency and quality and to share expertise, all for the benefit of the "end user" (tenant, homeowner, etc).
Performance indicator
The Government requires local authorities to publish Performance Indicators which is a report on (amongst other things) how effectively it is managing and repairing its properties.
Person-centred
An approach to care and support provision (by LinkLiving) which focuses on service users having services designed for them individually rather then them having to adapt or accept systems already in place.
Planned maintenance
Maintenance that is planned to take place at a certain time, which will not be required to be carried out regularly. Mainly one-off contracts, for example, window replacement.
Possession order
A legal document obtained from a magistrates court by a landlord to gain possession of a property from a tenant.
Private finance
Money raised from non-government sources, for example banks.
Procurement
The process of buying services or materials, ranging from office supplies to major building works, from other organizations, for example, suppliers, contractors, etc. In the housing movement, it refers mainly to the methods an Registered Social Landlord uses to develop projects (for example, competitive tendering or design and build contracts) or to organise repairs.
Reactive maintenance
Also called responsive maintenance or day-to-day maintenance. This is maintenance work carried out as the problem arises and is reported to the landlord. This type of repair cannot be foreseen, for example fitting a new door after a break-in.
Rechargeable repairs
Work that is the responsibility of the tenant but has been done (and initially paid for) by the landlord.
Refurbishment
The renovation and improvement of a property.
Registered Charity
An organisation registered with the Charity Commission and working within charitable aims and objectives.
Regulations
Detailed rules issued by the Government on how laws are carried out.
Registered Social Landlord (RSL)
An organisation which has the primary purpose of providing affordable rented housing. Mostly called "Housing Associations".
Rent
Money paid to a landlord by a tenant in exchange for occupying a property.
Residents association
A Residents Association is a democratically elected and recognised body of residents in sheltered housing or retirement housing that represents all or most of the residents.
Re-lets
Lets made to the second or subsequent tenant. Distinguished from new lets which are made when the property is first built or modernised.
Rent arrears
If you fall behind with your rent payments (whether paid by Housing Benefit or yourself), you are said to be in rent arrears. This means that you owe your landlord money. Tenants who are in rent arrears would be advised to contact their landlord as soon as possible to try and sort the problem out, as being in arrears is a breach of the tenancy agreement and can lead to eviction.
Rent reform / social rent reform
The Government has introduced guidelines for social landlords that set out how social housing rents are to be changed so that they are all calculated to the same standard by 2012. This is known as Rent Reform. By doing this, the Government hope to keep rents affordable for social housing tenants and to bring local authority and housing association rents in line with each other.
Rent policy
The basis on which a landlord sets its rents. The rent policy should contain both the general principles behind the landlord's rents and the detailed way in which individual rents will be set.
Repair grants
Repair grants towards approved expenditure may be available from councils for making good property deficiencies. The actual amounts available vary from time to time and the qualifying criteria of individuals or their properties can also vary. It is possible that the eligible costs for both owner occupiers and shopkeepers, can be increased, particularly if there are structural problems in the building.
Re-provisioning
A process involving the replacement of one type of accommodation with another (more suitable) one, for example, the transfer of supported accommodation from cluster flats to self-contained flats.
Reserves
Accumulated surpluses which have been retained by the landlord. Reserves are shown on the face of the balance sheet and they may be designated for specific purposes, for example, major repairs.
Retirement housing
Retirement housing (also known as sheltered housing) is a group of flats or bungalows where all residents are older people (usually over 55). With a few exceptions, all developments (or 'schemes') provide independent, self-contained homes with their own front doors. There are usually some common facilities that all residents can use - such as a residents' lounge, a guest suite, a garden and often a laundry.
Many schemes also have their own 'manager' or 'warden', either living on-site or nearby, whose job is to manage the scheme and help arrange any services residents need. Properties are usually also linked to an care line service ( also called emergency alarm or community alarm service) so that residents can call help if needed.
There are many different types of scheme, both to rent or to buy. They usually contain between 15 and 40 properties ranging in size from studios to 2, and occasionally 3 bedrooms. Properties in most schemes are designed to make life a little easier for older people - with features like raised electric sockets, lowered worktops, walk-in showers, and so on. Some are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
Retirement village
Anything from an estate to a full blown village-sized development of bungalows, flats or houses, intended for occupation by older people. Retirement villages often include a number of recreation facilities, and sometimes a care home.
Right to acquire
Scheme giving eligible tenants of Registered Social Landlords the right to buy the home they currently live in. The criteria for the Right to Acquire are very specific, please read the Housing Corporation’s guide to the right to acquire for more information about eligibility.
Right to buy
Some local authority and housing association tenants have the legal right to buy their home at a price lower than the full market value, if they have been living there for more than two years.
Right to repair
If a tenant has reported a repair to his or her landlord and after a reasonable period the repair has not been carried out, the tenant will then have the "Right to Repair" privately and have the bill issued to the landlord. This is a statutory right for council tenants only, but many other landlords have a similar voluntary scheme.
Ring fencing
Introduced in the Local Government and Housing Act (1989), this stops councils from moving money between the Housing Revenue Account and the Council Tax Fund.
Risk management
Risk is the likelihood of things going wrong and what could happen if they do. For example, a Registered Social Landlord's financial position or its reputation could be damaged by a previously untried activity. Risk management refers to the systems which a landlord has in place to assess and guard against risk from its development, management or funding activities, for example, insurance policies.
Rules
Each Registered Social Landlord has a set of written rules which sets out its objectives and powers. If an association does anything which is not covered by the written rules, it may be acting illegally.
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Secure tenancy
The vast majority of local authority tenants, and housing association tenants whose tenancies began before 15 January 1989, are secure tenants and have a range of additional rights covered in the Housing Act 1985.
Self build
When people or communities decide to build their own homes or community buildings using their own labour.
Service charge
The money tenants and leaseholders pay for services such as wardens, common rooms and cleaning, lighting and maintenance of common parts.
Service delivery
The way a service, such as repairs, is provided to the people who receive it.
Service level agreement (SLA)
A semi-formal arrangement covering the services that one department within an organisation will provide to another, or one organisation will provide to another.
Share company / company limited by shares
A company owned by its shareholders who invest in it by purchasing shares. Their liability in the event of financial difficulty is limited to the amount of share capital they have bought. Registered with Companies House.
Shared equity
Shared equity is a way of helping people into home ownership through the purchase of an equity share in a property. The remaining share being held by, for example, a social landlord.
Shared ownership
Eligible people can buy a share (25% minimum) of a property and pay a reduced/lower rent on the remaining share. You may then, if you choose, gradually buy further shares (known as ‘staircasing’) until you own your home outright.
Sheltered housing
Groups of self contained homes linked to a warden or sheltered housing officer who provides specialist support to all of the tenants.
Sinking fund
This is a charge made in addition to the service charge for future repairs on the building. This is a separate fund that all leaseholders in the block contribute to so that they do not get one large bill when any major repairs are needed for the buildings common areas. It is only an estimate and future works may turn out to be more or less than the fund. If it is more the leaseholders will be responsible – if less, it stays in the fund for future work.
Smaller urban renewal initiatives (SURI)
SURIs aim to regenerate run down areas by targeting investment and focusing the efforts of local agencies, the community and the private sector. They are housing-led initiatives, usually in small towns.
Social economy organizations / social enterprises
Voluntary and community organisations that use a business-like approach to delivering goods and services. They have a wide range of interests, from community initiatives in rural areas to those that provide employment opportunities for disabled people (for example Social Firms).
Social housing
General and special needs housing provided by registered social landlords, local authorities and other social housing providers for rent.
Social inclusion and social justice
The term used to describe the aim of assisting people to participate fully in society by removing barriers such as poverty.
Social inclusion partnership
A government initiative aimed at developing a multi-agency approach to dealing with problems of deprivation within a given area or for a particular group of people.
Special needs housing
General term covering housing built with particular tenant groups in mind. Usually involves either specially built or adapted housing, for example, housing for disabled, or house linked to some support facility for adults with learning difficulties. Can also refer to houses allocated to particular groups, for example, vulnerable young single people.
Staircasing
The term used to describe the increase in the proportion of a shared ownership home owner by the sharing owner. A minimum of 25% must be owned by the sharing owner and he or she can buy further 10% tranches to reach full ownership.
Stamp duty land tax
A tax levied by the government on the sale of a property. The amount of stamp duty you pay depends on how much you paid for the property (and will be between 1-4% of the purchase price). Prospective buyers should factor in the requirements to pay stamp duty when determining their ability to purchase a home.
Standard assessment procedure (SAP)
A measure of insulation efficiency in buildings.
Starter tenancies
The Housing Association term for introductory tenancies.
Stock (housing stock)
Property owned by a particular landlord is often referred to as their ‘housing stock’.
Subsidiary
A subsidiary is an organisation which is wholly or partly owned by another organisation (the "parent" organisation) and which is controlled by the parent. The parent must either:
- be a member of the subsidiary and control the composition of its management committee
- hold more than half of the shares issued by the subsidiary.
Succession
The right of succession is contained within a secure tenancy and can be offered to assured tenancies, although it is not mandatory. Succession means that when the current tenant dies, the tenancy of a property passes to someone close to the previous tenant and who lived in the property before the tenant died.
Supported housing
Accommodation for people with specific care needs (such as elderly people, and people with special needs). Residents are ‘supported’ in their accommodation by paid staff.
Supporting people
A Government programme that came into place in April 2003. ‘Supporting People’ changes the way that supported housing is managed and financed in the social housing sector. Click here to view the Supporting People’s website: www.spkweb.org.uk
Sustainability
Sustainable development aims to enhance social wellbeing and provide a better quality of life for all, both now and in the future. It means wise use of human, economic and natural resources and aims to enable high levels of housing quality, reduced running costs, stable population and employment levels and protection and enhancement of the environment.
Sustainable communities
Communities where the local economy supports a fairly constant population level and which meet the different needs of existing and future residents, provide a good quality of life and offer opportunity and choice. Registered Social Landlords increasingly aim to help achieve this in addition to mere 'bricks and mortar' development.
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Tenants’ association
A voluntary group made up of people who live in a particular area or scheme, who have got together to have their say on local issues, improve their area or organise social events. Can also be called a Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Residents’ Association, Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Association etc.
Tenancy agreement
A signed contract between a landlord and a tenant. A tenancy agreement sets out what is expected of each party, and what rights each has.
Tenant
A person, or persons, who agree to occupy a property owned by someone else in exchange for payment (i.e. rent). Also known as resident.
Tenant consultation
1. Refers to arrangements for involving tenants in decisions on housing policy and practice that goes beyond information provision but does not include actual housing management.
2. The legal definition as stated in Section 105 of the 1985 Housing Act is: a council must inform tenants of its proposals, it must give tenants the right to comment, and it must give consideration to tenants` comments before it takes a decision.
Tenant ballot
A process of finding out whether tenants are in favour of a proposal such as a transfer of their homes from a local authority to a Registered Social Landlord.
Tenant and Community Support Fund (TACSF)
This fund provides grants for community projects which benefit our residents and the people who use our services. Contribution from another source is needed too. To talk your ideas through speak to your contact at Knightstone or the Community Development Manager.
Tenant Services Authority (TSA)
Organisation which oversees housing associations. The TSA makes sure they abide by the law and government guidelines and provides their finance. Previously the Housing Corporation. Click the following link to view the website (opens in a new window):
www.tenantservicesauthority.org
Tenant’s handbook
Handbook given to new tenants by a local authority or housing association. It contains useful information about the tenancy and the landlord.
Tenure
A description of the ownership of a property and the status of its occupant, for example, owner occupied; public or social rented.
Tolerable standard
A statutory minimum standard which all buildings must meet. It focuses on fundamental elements such as structure, water supply, toilet provision and dampness.
Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS)
The leading national tenant participation organisation working to promote tenant empowerment.
Transfer of engagements
By this process, a landlord may transfer all of its assets (for example, housing stock ) and liabilities (for example, debts) to another association. The transferring landlord will lose its separate legal existence and Communities Scotland's permission is necessary for the transfer to take place.
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Under occupation
Occurs when the tenants in a property are not fully occupying it. An example might be a couple in a 3 bedroom house, whose children have left home. Tenants in under occupied properties are frequently offered incentives to move to a smaller property because larger houses for families are in short supply.
Voids
Empty homes usually waiting for work to be done or someone to move in.
Voluntary organisations
Organisations involved in activities like housing, community care and training whose management committee members are unpaid volunteers.
Whole life costing
A method of evaluating or comparing building materials and components by looking at installation costs, lifespans, running and maintenance costs.
Wider role/action
Activities undertaken by registered social landlords over and above housing, which help to improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of individuals and communities.
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