How long will I have to wait to be housed?

If a waiting list is open, we generally hope to house those on the list within two years. This is, however, an estimated length of time as we are unable to predict when people are going to move out of a property.

Do Sanctuary have shared ownership properties?

We have existing shared ownership properties. If you are able to demonstrate that you meet our criteria for shared ownership, we will send you an application form. Once you have completed the form, return it to us. If your application is deemed suitable, we will put you on the waiting list for your chosen area. If a property comes up for sale, you will be contacted to see if you are interested.

Do Sanctuary have key worker schemes?

There is one key worker scheme in Hertford although this is only available for employees of East Herts District Council. Any key workers seeking accommodation in the Hertfordshire area should contact the Housing Options Team at EHDC.

Do you keep a list of tenants who wish to do a mutual exchange?

No, we do not keep a mutual exchange list/register. We usually advise people to contact the local council to see if they operate a list for their local area.

Can I give you my details now so that when the waiting list opens you can send me an application form?

We have so many lists that this would not be possible. We do, however, review our waiting lists on a regular basis, so we advise people to keep in contact with us every four to six weeks to check if a waiting list has been opened.

I’ve seen an empty property, can I have it please?

All Sanctuary properties are allocated to people on the waiting list (those most suitable to the property, and in the highest position on the appropriate waiting list) or to people nominated by the council. Properties may often appear empty, but usually it is because we are carrying out works before it is let again.

Why has my position on the waiting list moved down, for example position four to five?

This will only occur where a person is on a waiting list for a longer length of time than you and then chooses to go on the waiting list for another area, they may then be slotted in above you.

If I am offered a property and turn it down, does this affect my position on the list?

No.

What is the difference between sheltered and supported housing?

Sheltered housing is for those of retirement age or over, who are capable of independent living, but would benefit from an onsite scheme manager.

Supported housing is for those who have special needs that require support and care arrangements. We have specialist teams that will identify your needs and help in arranging the appropriate support.

Can you put me on a list for a bigger/smaller property than I need?

This is possible, but not standard practice. Each request will be assessed by our allocations department on the individual circumstances.

How does the banding system work?

Sanctuary uses a banding system that allows for more flexible definitions of housing need. Depending on your circumstances you will be placed into the following bands in date order;

• Urgent priority
• High priority
• Medium priority
• Standard
• There is a separate band for people who have been nominated from a Local Authority

The percentage of lettings from each band will be determined by regional lettings targets to ensure reasonable preference is given to those in greatest housing need.

My neighbour is one of your tenants and is causing a nuisance, what can you do about it?

If the nuisance is being caused by one of our tenants, we will ask you to keep diary sheets to evidence the nuisance. These are then passed to the relevant housing officer who will investigate the complaint.

I have a property I would like to rent out, can I do this through Sanctuary?

No, Sanctuary does not manage or let private properties.