Cheshire Homechoice

Thursday, 23-Feb-2012

>>Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

Although we try to keep our communication as jargon free as possible, sometimes it is hard to avoid.

On this page, we try to explain some of the terms that you may come across in this website, our forms and documents or when you are in contact with us.

Bid	The process by which people registered with us let us know that they are interested in one of the properties that we have advertised. -Normally called an "expression of interest". No money or financial commitment is involved.

Choice based lettings	This refers to the way that we let properties, offering applicants the choice of properties they wish to be considered for by the Registered Providers.

Homes to Buy	Properties available for purchase at a discounted/ reduced value. Applicants must be able to afford to buy this property or to get a mortgage to the value. Homechoice does not recommend or work with any particular mortgage providers, you must source this independently.

Household	This refers to all the people currently living in the applicant's home, including those who are not moving.

Housing Register	The collective name for all the housing applications, formerly called the waiting list.

Landlord	The organisation responsible for advertising the available properties and to whom the rent is paid.

Lettings cycle	The time that properties are advertised for - normally Wednesday morning to Tuesday night.

Registered Provider of Social Housing	This is the new term for a housing association, trust, council or private organisation that offers affordable homes and is registered with the Tenant Services Authority

Shared facilities	Normally found in the application form, this refers to facilities such as a bath or toilet or kitchen that are shared with another household that have no family, friend or other connection with you.

Shared Ownership/ Equity	Homes that will be partly owned by you and partly owned by a Registered Provider. Applicants will need to be able to afford to purchase or to get a mortgage for part of this property. There will still be a requirement to pay rent on the other portion of the property.

55+/ Support Needs	If an advert has this term in the title or the description priority will be given to applicants aged over 55 or with a need for the supportive services offered with older persons accommodation. Supportive services may include the pendant/ panic alarm system and regular visiting support officers. Applicants under 55 should not apply for these properties without confirming with homechoice that they would be eligible.