Frequently Asked Questions

How many properties does Colne Housing Society have for rent?

The Society has over 2100 properties for rent across North East Essex. Whilst that may sound like a lot of properties, we only let on average 2 or 3 properties a week. These lettings are all via local council nominations, except in the case of sheltered housing, where the Society holds its own waiting list.

What type of tenancy will I have?

Most new tenants are granted a starter tenancy which runs for a minimum of one year. Provided the tenancy is conducted in a satisfactory manner and there are no breaches of tenancy, an assured tenancy will be granted after twelve months. If there are problems within the first twelve months, the Society is able to bring the tenancy to an end via the Courts. The trial period can be extended for a further six months if it is shown that the tenant is making every effort to prevent losing their home.

What are the differences between assured and starter tenancies?

Both tenancies can only be brought to an end by either the tenant(s) giving formal notice, or the Courts giving the Landlord possession. With a starter tenancy, the court must grant the Landlord possession upon request if there are any problems. With an assured tenancy, the court has to be satisfied that it is appropriate for the tenancy to be ended, and in some situations may not grant outright possession of the property. With a starter tenancy, there is no right to acquire, right to buy or right to exchange.

What is a secure tenancy?

Secure tenants have some different rights to other types of tenancies. These relate to Succession and the Right to Buy. Generally, a secure tenancy must have been started before January 15, 1989 without being demoted for any breaches of tenancy. Please see your Tenancy Agreement for details.

How does Colne decide who to offer these properties to?

All of our homes are let to people nominated by their local council (Colchester, Tendring, Maldon or Chelmsford). In the case of some new developments, the local council nominates all the new tenants to Colne. In the case of some of our village properties, the parish council will nominate a person or family to us. The small number of vacant homes that we have left, after taking people nominated by the local council, go to either one of our existing tenants who need to move (for example because their home is too small) or to someone from our sheltered housing waiting list. Our housing waiting list measures applicants' priority for housing through a points scheme. Points are awarded which reflect housing need in terms of overcrowding, health problems and the temporary or insecure nature of the accommodation currently being occupied. We also look at income and savings to see whether applicants have the resources to house themselves through house purchase or, where available, homebuy schemes such as shared ownership.

Colne Housing Society's housing waiting list is open to anyone who has a need for sheltered rental housing and who cannot meet their housing needs from their own resources. However, some restrictions apply. For more information or to request A Guide to the Housing Waiting List, please contact housing@colnehousing.co.uk.

Can I buy my rented property?

You will not be able to buy your home if you live in one of our sheltered or supported housing schemes, or in one of our rural housing schemes. If you have an assured or secure tenancy, you may have the right to buy your home at a discount with the Right to Acquire scheme. For further information and an Application Form please contact sales@colnehousing.co.uk.