Find a home
We aim to offer equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, religion, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, physical disability, age or any other unjustifiable criteria.
Please see below a list of frequently asked questions which should help to guide you through the application process.
Can I choose where I live?
We aim to offer you as much choice as possible. Within the application form there is a property location guide which highlights where our homes are. Vacancies will differ from area to area, which will impact on the application process and our ability to assist you. For example some localities will benefit from frequent vacancies, whereas in other areas these could be less often. You can apply for as many areas as you want and you must let us know the type of property you would accept and the number of bedrooms you need.
What is your lettings policy?
Our mission is to provide good quality, affordable housing for people who need it. In order to be fair and non – discriminatory and to take into account peoples’ housing needs we have a point based selection process. This means all applicants are given points in recognition of the various reasons they have for needing a home. All applicants that are accepted will be awarded a points score. When a vacancy occurs, those with the most points will be considered. Where applicants have an equal number of points, we would normally offer the vacancy to whoever has been waiting longest.
How does the points system operate?
Our points system
Although we cannot describe all circumstances, you will generally be given points.Click here to view the point scoring system.
Who can be accepted on the waiting list?
Our waiting lists are open to anyone over the age of 16, however we may ask 16 and 17 year olds for a guarantor and evidence of a support package. In line with the law and government guidance, we will not accept onto our list certain people subject to immigration control.
What type of home will I be considered for?
We will not offer a home to a household if the home is too small and would be overcrowded. Families with children may be allocated flats in the following circumstances:
Ground floor flats – any age of children are eligible
First floor flats – children aged 7 years plus We do not usually let homes in schemes for older people to applicants under the age of 60. Where possible we will seek to let homes that have been adapted to cater for individuals with disabilities to those that need and will benefit from them.
As a general guide to applicants we would consider the following suitable:
- Bedsit - 1 person
- 1 bedroom - 1 or 2 people
- 2 bedroom - 2 or 4 people
- 3 bedrooms - 3 to 6 people
- 4 bedrooms - 4 to 8 people
What will happen when you receive my application form?
When we receive your application form our staff will:
- Ensure that it is completed correctly – if not we will return the form to you, highlighting where additional information is required
- Check that we have properties in your area which match your needs
- Check to see if you are ineligible due to your immigration status or because of previous unacceptable behaviour
What happens when a vacancy occurs?
If you are being considered for a vacancy you will be contacted by one of our Housing Officers.The reason for this call is to confirm the circumstances for which you have been awarded points. At this stage we may carry out a home visit and references from current or former landlords may be requested.
How will I find out if my application is successful?
We will make an offer by telephone, letter or email. If we make an offer by telephone this will be confirmed in writing within 1 working day. The letter may provide a date and time for you to meet a Housing Officer at the property. You will always be given the option to view the home before you make a decision. If you decide to accept the tenancy, you will sign the tenancy agreement and receive the keys. If you are not sure whether to accept, you will be given two working days to notify us. If you do not confirm your decision within the two day period, the offer will be withdrawn.
How do you review the waiting list?
We will write to you annually to see if you want to remain on our list. If you do not respond to our letter within 10 working days, your application will be cancelled.
Transfers – Castle Morpeth’s existing tenants
Castle Morpeth considers it very important to meet the changing needs of its own tenants. Tenants can apply to move to another Castle Morpeth home at any time. A move may be granted subject to tenancy checks.
Mutual exchanges and schemes to assist mobility
Castle Morpeth tenants have the Right to Exchange with another tenant of a local authority or housing association – please ask for a separate leaflet if you are interested in this. We also have details of other mobility schemes if tenants are looking for a move to another part of the country. Please contact one of our Customer Service Assistants for more information.
Right to appeal
Castle Morpeth has set up an Lettings panel Appeals Panel to consider appeals made by applicants against decisions Castle Morpeth staff have made. Circumstances for appeal could include:
- refusal of access to the waiting list
- deferral from the waiting list (for a set period of time)
- removal from the waiting list
- eligibility for a particular property
- dissatisfaction with how your application has been dealt with.
Applicants will always be advised of their Right to Appeal. Applicants who do appeal and are not satisfied with the outcome may use Castle Morpeth’s Appeals Complaints Procedure. Our waiting lists are open to anyone over the age of 16, however, we may ask 16 and 17 year olds for a guarantor and evidence of a support package.