Existing Council Tenants who wish to move home may do so by applying for a transfer
Who is eligible?
The Council will accept a transfer application from any Council or Housing Association tenant living in the St Albans district providing that the rent account is up to date. Tenants in rent arrears will not normally qualify for a transfer and their application will be deferred until their rent arrears are cleared.
How do I apply for a transfer?
If you qualify you will need to complete a transfer form. Once your application has been registered you will receive a welcome pack with all the details that you need about how to bid.
Are there any particular requirements?
A pre-inspection of your property may be carried out before your transfer is considered. Your property must be left in good condition and free from damage or disrepair. The property must not have been altered in any way without the permission of the Council. If it has the transfer will not be allowed to proceed. you may be charged for any damage to the property. (Please refer to the leaflet entitled 'Leaving your current home-What we expect from you'.)
If you are offered a transfer, your existing property must be left clean and clear of any furniture. The Council also has to have vacant possession of the property, which means that everyone living with you must move.
How are transfer applications assessed?
Applicants are placed into a housing band, A-E, depending on their housing need. Applicants in Band A have the highest priority and those in Band E the lowest priority. The priority bands are designed to give those households in greatest housing need preference.
Applicants will be given a priority date which will identify priority within the bands and initially will reflect the date the circumstances changed to place them in their priority band. For some applicants this will be the same date they applied.
What are my chances of getting a transfer?
Demand for properties is high and certain areas of the district are more popular than other. All properties are advertised through our Herts Choice Homes scheme and feedback is available once a property has been let. This will include information about the Band that the successful bidder was in and their priority date. Applicants can use this feedback to make informed decisions about their realistic prospects for rehousing.
How does the banding scheme work?
For details of how the banding scheme works, please check on the link below:
Date of last review: 25 September 2009