Property that becomes available to let more often, have shorter waiting times. For example flats become available more often than houses do so waiting times for flats can be a lot shorter than for a house.

Our older person housing average waiting times are also shorter at between 6-12 months.

What is choice based lettings- CBL’s?

This is a new way of allocating property to tenants. Every week the properties available are advertised and you can choose whether you want to bid for the property. You have to register with the scheme and you are given a level of housing need. The properties are then advertised and they say what level can apply for that property. The new schemes mean that you have a choice about the property you want to live in and how quickly you are housed. Read our Choice Based Lettings page for more information

Can I afford to buy a home?

We have a dedicated Home Ownership department who can advise you on purchasing a home. Waterloo Housing offers schemes that allow you to buy a home outright or a buy part of the house and pay rent on the other part.

What is Mutual Exchange?

This is a property swap that happens between two households. All tenants of housing associations and local authorities have the legal right to exchange properties with other housing association or local authority tenants.

Mutual exchange can be a relatively quick way to move. You have to do the searching and make contact with the other person yourself by registering on the mutual exchange database, or visiting your local neighbourhood office and register with them. If you have difficulties with doing this then a Waterloo customer service team member will be happy to help you register.

Once you have found someone to swap with permission must be given from your housing officer for the exchange to happen. Waterloo will do rent and property checks before the swap can take place.

I am a tenant and I’m having problems with my neighbours.

There's loads of advice in your tenants handbook. Alternatively you can talk to your housing officer. Fill in our feedback form or find out how to get in touch by phone on our contact page.

I no longer want to live at the property.

Please give Waterloo written notice to your housing officer or visit one of the local area offices. Waterloo Housing requires 28 days notice of intent to end a tenancy. Please see the tenant’s handbook for details of terms for ending a tenancy with Waterloo. For more options, look at our moving on page.

Can I rent privately?

Whilst rents are higher than a social landlord this might be and option either in the long term or the short term. Private housing has many more properties available and you can choose the area and the type of property you want to live in. If you are claiming housing benefit most private landlords will not accept your application. However if you can provide a 6-month deposit then some will consider your application. This allows for the housing benefit application to be made and awarded and payments to start.

Some councils offer a rent deposit schemes to help you arrange a deposit. You would need to contact your local council to find out the terms and conditions and whether they offer this scheme in your area.