CHAP News Feeds http://www.chaponline.org.uk Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:38:56 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=143&Itemid=139 The private rented sector in Northern Ireland represents approximately 13% of the total housing market and approximately 33% of the queries Housing Rights Service have had so far this year. The most popular queries being about rent deposit matters, notice to quit eviction and tenancy agreements. Many are unaware of their rights... CHAP - Case Studies - Private Rented Sector Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:34:54 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=139&Itemid=96 As CHAP has received a number of calls recently regarding Housing Executive repairs, I thought it would be useful to include some information about repairing obligations and the Right to Repair Scheme. For more information please see repairs section or click here to read more (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=139 Itemid=96... CHAP - Repairs Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:42:29 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=86 It might be useful for advisers to know that the DSD confirmed yesterday that EAGA will no longer be administering the Warm Homes Scheme. New contractors have been selected but at this point no other information is available. The DSD hope that the service will be up and running with the new... CHAP - Grants Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:26:30 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=86 The Housing Executive is currently facing a funding shortfall which has been caused by the collapse of the property market and subsequent reduction in receipts from house sales. The funding shortfall has resulted in the grants spending for this year being significantly curtailed. The Disabled Facilities Grants (http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/hig_home/grants_available/disabled_facilities_grant.htm) scheme will continue to... CHAP - Grants Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:27:37 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=136&Itemid=96 The Housing Executive have completed the annual review of the amounts paid for Redecoration Allowances which are given following disruption or physical damage to the décor by planned scheme work. The Housing Executive rates however have remained the same for 2009-2010. Housing Associations have yet to carried out a review of their rates but... CHAP - Repairs Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:14:56 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=135&Itemid=124 In January this year the waiting period for help with housing costs for those in receipt of Income based JSA/ESA changed from 39 weeks to 13 weeks. Advisers from Housing Rights Service have however reported issues with some Social Security Agencies where the new rules were not being applied or the new rules... CHAP - General Information Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:47:49 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=134&Itemid=87 Due to recent amendments in legislation introduced in March 2009, certain persons from abroad may now be eligible for assistance from the Housing Executive, who before this date would not otherwise have been eligible. A ‘restricted person' is someone who: ·... CHAP - Homelessness Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:36:17 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=133&Itemid=87 The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. Due to the commencement of the above legislation, from 18th May 2009 certain persons from Zimbabwe will now be eligible for housing and homeless assistance. They will not be treated as persons from abroad who are subject to immigration control. For... CHAP - Homelessness Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:41:04 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=132&Itemid=124 Some advisers have expressed concerns recently about their clients who have become involved in sale and rent back schemes. Many clients have found that they do not have any, or have limited security of tenure. The majority have been offered considerably less than the market value for their property as the... CHAP - General Information Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:16:07 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=131&Itemid=89 New Local Housing Allowance rates (http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/yh-home/renting_privately/local_housing_allowance-2/current_lha_rates.htm) (http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/yh-home/renting_privately/local_housing_allowance-2/current_lha_rates.htm) (LHA) have recently been released for the new financial year and they can be viewed by clicking on the link. Many of the rates stayed the same but there were noticeable differences in the single room rates which, in some cases, have decreased significantly.... CHAP - Housing Benefit Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:47:55 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid=95 With more people experiencing financial difficulties it is more important than ever to ensure that client's correctly prioritise their debts as this will ultimately prevent their situation worsening. Not all clients will be aware that any money owed for rates to Land and Property Services is a priority debt and the consequences of non... CHAP - Rates Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:36:31 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=129&Itemid=124 Housing Rights Service is holding a free half day consultation event on the morning of Wednesday 1st July to consider the new NI private rented sector strategy, Building Sound Foundations. Please email (mailto:etainn@housingrights.org.uk) for further information or to express your interest in attending. The strategy is available for download... CHAP - General Information Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:13:38 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=128&Itemid=85 As advisers are aware, when an individual wishes to apply for social housing they must firstly be assessed, pointed, and placed on the waiting list. However, it is worth noting that in exceptional circumstances the Housing Executive and registered Housing Associations can depart from the general rules of governing allocations, which enables them to... CHAP - Selection Scheme Points Wed, 20 May 2009 15:13:48 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=87 Changes are due to be made to the homeless legislation regarding applicants from abroad who may have previously been ineligible for assistance. Schedule 15 to the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 amends the Housing (NI) Order 1988 (the homeless legislation) to give certain ‘persons from abroad' the right to homeless assistance, albeit of a... CHAP - Homelessness Tue, 12 May 2009 12:58:12 +0100 http://www.chaponline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125&Itemid=94 Advisers should be aware that Northern Ireland now has a new Estate Agents Ombudsman, which may be useful if you have a client who has a complaint regarding the actions of and Agent or a query regarding unfair terms or fees being charged. Following the implementation of the Estate Agents Redress Scheme Order 2008, a new Ombudsman... CHAP - Private Rented Sector Tue, 12 May 2009 12:53:47 +0100