Housing Association

Some housing association homes are advertised through the choice-based lettings scheme.

You can also contact housing associations directly to ask about their own housing policies and how to apply.

What is a housing association?

Housing associations are organisations that provide homes for rent.

  • they do not make a profit
  • they work in partnership with us
  • they are sometimes called registered social landlords

What this means:
They are separate from the council, but they work with us to provide affordable homes.

What types of homes do they provide?

Housing associations offer different types of homes, including:

  • flats and apartments for single people
  • family homes
  • sheltered housing for older people

How much rent do they charge?

Rent depends on:

  • the type of property
  • the location

You may be able to get housing benefit in the same way as council tenants.

What type of tenancy will you have?

Most housing association tenants have an assured tenancy.

This is similar to a secure tenancy offered by Sandwell Council.

Key difference:
Most assured tenants do not have the right to buy their home.

New tenants may be given an introductory tenancy at first.

What this means:
An introductory tenancy is usually a trial period before a longer-term tenancy is offered.