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What is a Housing Association?

Housing associations, or Registered Providers (RP) as they are also called, are not-for-profit organisations that provide social housing. Housing associations vary in size from fewer than 10 homes to more than 50,000. Housing Associations in Greenwich play an important role in providing good quality affordable housing as there is a high demand for all social housing.

To rent a housing association home, you normally have to apply to go on a waiting list. In Royal Borough of Greenwich, there is a central system for deciding who gets council and housing association homes, but some housing associations also keep their own separate waiting lists, mostly for specialist housing.

You should apply through Royal Borough of Greenwich Housing Register in order to be considered for available properties. You can get apply on line using the link below:

Join the Housing Register (RBG Website)

Housing Association Tenancies

As a Housing Association tenant, if you have an Assured tenancy, you will have similar rights to those of a council tenant. The biggest difference is that assured tenants do not have the right to buy their home, although this may be changing shortly. However, most supported sheltered and extra care homes are already excluded from the right to buy.

Housing Associations also use Assured Shorthold Tenancies (sometimes known as Starter Tenancies). It is a trial period of 12 months, to make sure you do not break your tenancy conditions. They may also use fixed-term tenancies.

At the end of your starter tenancy you’ll be offered either:

  • an assured tenancy - meaning you can normally live in your property for the rest of your life
  • a fixed-term tenancy - usually lasting for at least 5 years (your landlord will decide whether it’s renewed)

You have the right to remain in your home as long as you keep to the terms of the tenancy.

Housing associations also provide homes with support for people who need some assistance to live independently. This includes: sheltered housing for older people; rehabilitation for people with drug and alcohol problems; housing with job and life skills training for young people or people who have been homeless; and housing with specialist support for people with disabilities.

Service Charges

For some registered provider schemes there is a separate service charge which is paid in addition to your weekly rent.

This will cover the cost of providing items such as cleaning of communal areas, maintenance of gardens and grounds, lifts, communal laundry equipment, and communal lounge equipment etc.

In most cases these charges will be covered by housing benefit; however all cases are subject to individual assessment.