Housing Options and Supported Living

What are my housing options in Stockport?

The main housing options are:

- A tenancy with Stockport Homes (council accommodation)

- A tenancy with another social landlord (also known as housing associations)

- A tenancy with a private landlord

How do I go about getting a tenancy?

To get a tenancy with Stockport Homes, you will need to register with Homechoice. Once you have registered, you will need to “bid” (put your name forward) for properties you are interested in; you can find more information about Homechoice here:

http://www.stockporthomes.org/find-a-home/homes-to-rent/homechoice/

Other social landlords advertise properties with Homechoice too, but they also let homes directly themselves. It is therefore worth registering with them individually:

http://www.stockporthomes.org/find-a-home/homes-to-rent/housing-associations/

Finding a home with a private landlord can involve a bit more searching, but you can find some useful links to help you here:

http://www.stockporthomes.org/find-a-home/homes-to-rent/private/

How old do I need to be to hold a tenancy?

You can register with Homechoice from when you are 16, but you will not be able to sign for a tenancy until you are 18.

How can I learn more about managing a tenancy?

Stockport Homes provides pre-tenancy training which covers things like how to set up and manage your bills, how to do basic DIY and what else is expected of you as a tenant. You can find out more information about this here:

https://www.stockporthomes.org/find-a-home/get-tenancy-ready/

What information will I need to provide?

In order to sign for any tenancy you will need:

- Proof of identification (e.g. a passport or driving licence)

- Proof of income (e.g. wage slips or letters confirming which benefits you are receiving)

- Recent bank statements

Can I get support with paying my rent and council tax?

If you are claiming certain benefits or are on a low wage you may be able to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

https://www.stockport.gov.uk/what-is-housing-benefit/housing-benefit-overview

If you are claiming Universal Credit, you may be able to apply for help with housing costs to be paid as part of this.

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/claiming-other-benefits

The amount of money you may get will depend on:

- Your age – most people aged under 35 will only get what is known as a “shared room rate” of benefit (around £57 per week) in the private sector, and from 2018 this will apply to most young people in social housing too

- Your household size – you will only get enough money to pay for a property that is the right size for you; if you have too many bedrooms you may have a shortfall to pay. This is sometimes known as the “bedroom tax”.

Is there any help to get furniture?

Stockport Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS) can provide help to people furnishing their first property, depending on your income. You can get more information here:

https://www.stockport.gov.uk/stockport-local-assistance-scheme/stockport-local-assistance-overview

There are also charities and other organisations who can help with affordable second hand furniture, such as the Furniture Station. Stockport Homes can help with referrals to these and in some cases can also furnish your tenancy themselves; you can get more information here:

http://www.stockporthomes.org/advice-and-support/support-in-the-home/housing-support/

What if I need specialist accommodation?

If you have physical disabilities and need aids and adaptations to live independently then Stockport Homes may be able to help. You can get more information here:

http://www.stockporthomes.org/advice-and-support/support-in-the-home/equipment-and-adaptations/

Stockport Homes also offer an alarm pendant service for vulnerable people; this means someone will be on hand if you need help. You can get more information here:

http://www.carecall24.co.uk/

If your needs are very high and you need specialist supported accommodation, then you will need to speak to your Social Worker about a referral to this.

Useful contacts

Homechoice (Stockport Homes)

- Tel: 0161 217 6016

- Email: homechoice@stockporthomes.org

Housing Support (Stockport Homes)

- Tel: 0161 474 3772

- Email: housingsupport.team@stockporthomes.org

Revenues and Benefits (Stockport Council)

- Tel: 0161 217 6015

- Email: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/start/housing-benefit-online-enquiry-form

Shelter (independent housing advice charity)

- Tel: 0808 800 4444