Housing Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you will find the information you're looking for in one of the sections below. If you can't find the answer you need, click here to view further contact details.

Applying for a Council House

How do I apply for a Council house?
What is Choice Based Lettings?
How many Council homes are empty?
Can I choose where I live?
How much will my rent be?
How long do I have to wait to be housed?
Do you provide temporary accommodation?
How much will I have to pay for the temporary accommodation?
How long will I be in temporary accommodation?
Where are the Sheltered Housing properties in East Devon?

How do I apply for a Council house?
Contact the Housing Needs team on 01395 517469 or by e-mail, housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk to request a Housing Register application form. Remember you must answer all the questions and complete the form fully. For more information on finding a home in East Devon, click here.

What is Choice Based Lettings?
It is a way of letting Council homes. Rather than us deciding which property goes to which applicant, we now give you the choice to 'bid' or not to bid for an empty property. You tell us where you would like to live and your application helps us decide whether you require a 2, 3 or 4 bedroom home. When a property becomes available, we invite the top 20 applicants on the list for that type, size and location of property to let us know if they would like to be considered for that property. It is your choice. For more information on the Choice Based Lettings scheme, click here.

How many Council homes are empty?
Around 450 Council and Registered Social Landlords homes become empty each year. About half of these are 'family' housing (2 or 3 bedroom houses, flats or bungalows). About 30 properties are empty at any one time. Some of these properties have only just become empty, with keys just been returned by the outgoing tenants, some have contractors doing repair works and some are ready for a new tenant to move into.

Can I choose where I live?
Yes. You can choose the areas where you would like to live. BUT, if you choose only one or a few areas then you limit your opportunity to bid under the Choice Based Lettings Scheme or to be offered accommodation to meet your housing need. It is recommended that you consider as many locations as possible.

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How much will my rent be?
That depends on the size of the property. The average rent for a 1bed property in East Devon is about £50 per week. The rent rises depending on the size of the property and a typical 4 bed house would cost in the region of £70 per week. For more information on housing rents, click here.

How long do I have to wait to be housed?
That depends on your circumstances and what band you are on. We have over 4000 applicants on the Housing Register. Nearly 1000 are on the GOLD band - the highest priority for housing. Applicants in our GOLD band wait on average 3-4 years to be rehoused, but it very much depends on where you want to live and the availability of empty properties in that location.

Do you provide temporary accommodation?
Yes, to homeless households. We have a number of temporary accommodation units with shared facilities such as bathroom and kitchen. We use quite a large number of Council homes as temporary accommodation and we also lease a small number of private houses. In total, we have around 200 units of temporary accommodation mainly in the market towns.

How much will I have to pay for the temporary accommodation?
That depends on the type of temporary accommodation you are allocated. The rent for a room in our supported accommodation is £120 per week. In our Private Sector Leased accommodation it will depend on the type and size of accommodation, but could be around £180 per week for a 3bed property. If you are allocated an empty Council home then the rent will be the same as that charged for any secure tenant. For more information on housing rents, click here.

How long will I be in temporary accommodation?
The average wait is 4 years, but this depends on the availability of empty properties in the area where you wish to live.

Where are the Sheltered Housing properties in East Devon?
Many are in the market towns, but we have sheltered housing in most areas of East Devon. For more information, phone Housing Needs on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk

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Homelessness

I am homeless, can you help me?
Do you provide temporary accommodation?
How much will I have to pay for the temporary accommodation?
What about my belongings?
What about my pets?
How long will I be in temporary accommodation?
What happens if I'm evicted?
Can you help me move to the private rented sector?

I am homeless, can you help me?
We provide Housing Advice Services from its offices in Sidmouth or Exmouth. The offices at Knowle, Sidmouth are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm. The Housing Needs Exmouth office is open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. If you have nowhere to stay tonight then visit our offices at Exmouth Town Hall or in Sidmouth and see a Housing Officer. For more information on homelessness, click here.

Do you provide temporary accommodation?
Yes, to homeless households. We have a number of temporary accommodation units with shared facilities such as bathroom and kitchen. We use quite a large number of Council homes as temporary accommodation and we also lease a small number of private houses. In total, we have around 200 units of temporary accommodation mainly in the market towns.

How much will I have to pay for the temporary accommodation?
That depends on the type of temporary accommodation you are allocated. The rent for a room in our supported accommodation is £120 per week. In our Private Sector Leased accommodation it will depend on the type and size of accommodation, but could be around £180 per week for a 3bed property. If you are allocated an empty Council home then the rent will be the same as that charged for any secure tenant.

What about my belongings?
If you are placed in supported accommodation then you should find somewhere to store your furnishings and other belongings that are not personal affects. That could be with family or friends. If you are placed in a private sector leasing or a Council home then you will be able to move your belongings into the accommodation.

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What about my pets while I am in temporary accommodation?
It is your responsibility to make arrangements for your pets if you are placed in supported accommodation. You cannot have pets in our private sector leased accommodation. If you are placed in a Council home then you will be able to keep your pets with you.

How long will I be in temporary accommodation?
The average wait is 4 years, but this depends on the availability of empty properties in the area where you wish to live.

What happens if I'm evicted?
That depends on why you've been evicted. If it is because you're in breach of your tenancy, for example, you have not paid your rent, then you must find your own accommodation. For more information, phone Housing Needs on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk

Can you help me move to the private rented sector?
If you are homeless or your current home is unsuitable for your needs then we could help you move to accommodation in the private rented sector. We can help with a rent deposit and rent in advance to eligible households. To be eligible you will need to be homeless or threatened with homelessness and in priority need. You may also be eligible if you are a Council tenant and you wish to move to the private rented sector and you need help with a deposit. For more information, phone Housing Needs on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk

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Repairs and Maintenance

How do I report a repair for my Council Home?
The Contractor scheduled to carry out work in my home hasn't turned up when they were supposed to. I have given up time from work to be here - what can I do?
How can I find out what planned maintenance works are scheduled for my Council Home?

How do I report a repair for my Council Home?
You can either telephone the Repairs team on 01395 517458 or e-mail repairs@eastdevon.gov.uk The Council Offices are open between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need to report an emergency repair outside of these hours, telephone 01395 516854. For more information on the repairs service, click here.

The Contractor scheduled to carry out works in my home hasn't turned up when they were supposed to. I have given up time from work to be here - what can I do?
The Contractors make every effort to keep appointments, but sometimes they are unable to turn up when they said they would because of unforseen circumstances. The Contractor should let you know if they are re scheduling works and if you are not satisfied, contact the Housing Services team on 01395 517458 or email cbrookbank@eastdevon.gov.uk

How can I find out what planned maintenance works are scheduled for my Council Home?
We carry out programmes of major repair and improvements every year. We will contact tenants when we are scheduling planned maintenance works in their home, but if you have a specific enquiry contact the Housing Services team on 01395 517458 or email cbrookbank@eastdevon.gov.uk

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Your Neighbours and Local Area

I have a problem with my Council neighbour - how can I get help?
My neighbours are running a business from their Council home and its causing a nuisance - Can they do this?
My Council neighbour is extremely noisy and despite my requests, will not make any effort to reduce the noise level - what can I do?
My neighbour has erected a fence and I think they have encroached on my garden - what can I do?

I have a problem with my Council neighbour - how can I get help?
Phone the Estate Management team on 01395 517458. Or e-mail estatemanagement@eastdevon.gov.uk  For more information on the Estate Management Service click here.

My neighbours are running a business from their Council home and its causing a nuisance - Can they do this?
Permission is needed before a tenant can run a business from home. If the business is causing a nuisance to other residents, contact the Estate Management team for further advice on 01395 517458. Or e-mail estatemanagement@eastdevon.gov.uk

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My Council neighbour is extremely noisy and despite my requests, will not make any effort to reduce the noise level - what can I do?
Contact the Estate Management team on 01395 517458 or e-mail estatemanagement@eastdevon.gov.uk The Council Offices are open between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need to report a noise complaint outside of these hours, telephone 01395 516854. For more information on our noise nuisance policy, click here.

My neighbour has erected a fence and I think they have encroached on my garden - what can I do?
Contact the Housing Services team on 01395 517469. They will check the boundaries and ensure that the correct approval is given for the erection of the fence. Fences are normally allowed to be erected to height no more than 1 metre at the front and to a height no more than 2 metres in rear gardens.

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Your Tenancy

I am a Council tenant and I want my partner to be a joint tenant, what do I need to do?.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
How do I take over the tenancy?
What happens if I'm evicted?

I am a Council tenant and I want my partner to become a joint tenant, what do I need to do?
This depends on your circumstances. You should write to us asking for your partner to be added to the tenancy. You will then both be responsible for paying the rent and maintaining the property, it is known as being "jointly and severely" responsible. Please write to:

Housing Needs
East Devon District Council
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL

Or phone the Housing Needs team on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk for more information.

How do I terminate my tenancy?
Your tenancy agreement tells you what to do. You should write to us and give 4 weeks notice. Your weekly tenancy runs from Monday to Sunday. You should return the keys to us by no later than 12noon on the Monday at the end of the four weeks notice period. Please write to:

Housing Needs
East Devon District Council
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL

Or phone the Housing Needs team on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk for more information.

How do I take over the tenancy?
You can succeed to the tenancy if you are living in the property as your only or principal home at the time of the tenant’s death, and

  • you are the tenant’s spouse or civil partner, or
  • you are another member of the tenant’s family and have lived with the tenant throughout the period  of 12 months ending with the tenant’s death,

unless the tenant succeeded to the tenancy.

If more than one person is eligible to succeed to the tenancy, we will give preference to the tenant’s partner.

Only one succession is allowed by the Housing Act 1985.  If a joint tenant becomes a sole tenant this counts as the one succession allowed (for example husband and wife to surviving husband or wife).

If the property is not suitable for the needs of your relative (for example the property becomes under occupied) we may request them to move to a more suitable property.  We can only use this reason between 6 and 12 months after the previous tenant’s death and only by court order.

What happens if I'm evicted?
That depends on why you've been evicted. If it is because you're in breach of your tenancy, for example, you have not paid your rent, then you must find your own accommodation. For more information, phone Housing Needs on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk

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Your Home

I am a Council tenant. Can I move to a smaller property?
My home is too small, can I transfer to another property?
Can I exchange my Council home with another tenant?
What happens if I'm evicted?
I'd like to build a driveway so I can park my car off the road - what do I need to do?
Can I put up a shed?
I'd like to carry out some alterations in my Council home - who do I need to contact?
I need some adaptations to my Council Home as I am registered disabled - who should I contact?
Can I keep a pet in my Council home?
Can I put up a satellite dish on my Council home?
A member of my family has caused damage to my Council home - will I be recharged and how will I pay?
I'm in Council sheltered housing scheme and under 75, why do I have to pay for my TV licence?
I am no longer able to cope with the solid fuel heating system in my Council home and there is no gas in the Village - what can I do?
How can I get involved in housing issues?
Where can I find out about Home Insurance?
I'm finding it difficult to maintain the garden of my council home, is there any help available?
Do I need permission to take in a lodger?

I am a Council tenant. Can I move to a smaller property?
Yes. If you live in a 3 or 4 bed Council property and you would like a smaller home then we can help. We can help by finding you the right property in the right area of your choice. We can provide some financial help up to a maximum of £1,100. For more details phone the Housing Needs team on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk

My home is too small, can I transfer to another property?
Yes. If you would like to move to another area or a larger property then you can apply for a transfer. We will send you a form and you should complete it fully and return it to us. We will then add you to the waiting list for a transfer to the area/type/size of property you require. For more details phone the Housing Needs team on 01395 517469 or e-mail housingneeds@eastdevon.gov.uk

Can I exchange my Council home with another tenant?
Yes. If you find someone else who wants to exchange with you then you can ask for permission to exchange with another secure tenant. For more information, visit the mutual exchange register pages on our website by clicking here.

What happens if I'm evicted?
That depends on why you've been evicted. If it is because you're in breach of your tenancy, for example, you have not paid your rent, then you must find your own accommodation. If the Council has accepted you as homeless and you are eviced then the Council will no longer have a duty to house you.

I'd like to build a driveway so I can park my car off the road - what do I need to do?
You need our permission to do this, please apply in writing with your proposal to:

Housing Services
East Devon District Council
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL

Or email cbrookbank@eastdevon.gov.uk  In some circumstances, help is available with the construction of hardstandings or the provision of dropped kerbs.

Can I put up a shed?
You need permission to build a garage, shed, fence, patio or other external construction. Please apply in writing with proposals to:

Housing Services
East Devon District Council
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL

Or email cbrookbank@eastdevon.gov.uk

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I'd like to carry out alterations in my Council home - who do I need to contact?
You need permission to carry out alterations to the interior of your Council home. This includes structural and major replacement works but not normal decorating. In many cases, you will need to conform to Building Regulations and/or gas safety regulations. Any alterations must be carried out at your expense by a competent and qualified contractor. In some cases, we will maintain the alterations carried out. You should apply to the Housing Services Team on 01395 517458 with your proposals or email cbrookbank@eastdevon.gov.uk For more information on alterations, click here.

I need some adaptations to my Council Home as I am registered disabled - who should I contact?
Your first point of contact should be your Occupational Therapist at Social Services, Devon County Council, who will assess your needs and request the Housing and Social Inclusion Service to carry out the required alterations. If you do not have an Occupational Therapist, contact Care Direct on 01392 385800 and you will be put in touch with the referral co-ordinator for your area.

Can I keep a pet in my Council house?
You may keep domestic pet or pets in your home provided they are well cared for and kept under proper control.  If any animal you keep in the property causes nuisance, annoyance, damage or a public health risk to anyone in the local area, including our employees or representatives, we can ask you to remove it or take legal action for breaching the nuisance clauses of your tenancy agreement.

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Can I put up a satellite dish on my Council home?
Requests for satellite dishes must be submitted in the same way as other requests to carry out alterations. In some cases there may be a planning requirement. To find out more, contact the Housing Services team on 01395 517458 or email cbrookbank@eastdevon.gov.uk

A member of my family has caused damage to my Council home - will I be recharged and how will I pay?
You are responsible for the cost of repairs that are the result of neglect, misuse or damage by you or any other person living or visiting your home. For more information, contact the Housing Services team on 01395 517458.

I'm in a Council sheltered housing scheme and under 75, why do I have to pay for my TV licence?
This is decided by the TV licensing authority, but if you would like to find out more contact the Home Safeguard Manager on 01395 516854.

I'm finding it difficult to manage the solid fuel heating system in my Council home but there is no gas in my area - what can I do?
The first point of contact should be your Occupational Therapist at Social Services, Devon County Council. If they agree to your request, we will then be asked to change your heating system to electric economy 7 heating. If you do not have an Occupational Therapist, contact Care Direct on 01392 385800 and you will be put in touch with the referral co-ordinator for your area.

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How can I get involved in housing issues?
We are committed to involving tenants and leaseholders in decisions affecting homes and estates. For further details contact the tenant participation team on on 01395 517453 or email tenantparticipation@eastdevon.gov.uk You can also find out about the different ways to get involved by clicking here.

Where can I find out about home insurance?
We insure Council housing against fire and other disasters and the building will be repaired at our expense. This cover does not include your personal possessions and belongings, and it is strongly recommended that tenants arrange their own cover for these items from the private sector. We are linked to a consortium providing home contents insurance at special low cost rates. For further information contact the tenant participation team on 01395 517453 or e-mail tenantparticipation@eastdevon.gov.uk  You can also find out more by clicking here.

I'm finding it difficult to maintain the garden of my Council home, is there any help available?
In certain circumstances we will maintain your garden - generally for older people or people with disabilities. For more information, contact the Housing Business Unit on 01395 517533 or e-mail businessunit@eastdevon.gov.uk

Do I need permission to take in a lodger?
A lodger is a person who pays you money to share the property (rent a room and share household facilities). You do not need our permission to take in a lodger but you do need to let us know who is living at the property.

You may sublet part of the property with our written consent but you must not sublet the whole property as this invalidates your secure tenancy. Subletting is when a sub tenancy is created out of the secure tenancy which gives up possession of all or part of the property.

For more information and advice please contact our Estate Management team on 01395 517458 or  e-mail estatemanagement@eastdevon.gov.uk

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Buying your Home

How do I apply for the Right to Buy?
Do I have to pay for advice on the Right to Buy?
How much will it cost to buy my Council property?
I am a joint Tenant, but my partner wants to buy our Council Home - is this possible?
I have bought my Council house but now wish to sell it. Will I qualify for Council housing?
How long do I need to have been renting a Council property before I can buy it?
I'm in sheltered accommodation, can I buy my Council home?
The Council Home I live in is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Will this affect my Right to Buy?
Is it possible for my son/daughter/spouse to participate in the Right to Buy?

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How do I apply for the Right to Buy?
You can find out more about the Right to Buy Your Council Home and the application process by clicking here. Or, you can contact the Housing Business Unit for an application form on 01395 517533 or e-mail businessunit@eastdevon.gov.uk

Do I have to pay for advice on the Right to Buy?
We provide advice and information on the Right to Buy process at no cost. We strongly advise you to take your own financial and legal advice when considering the purchase of your Council Home. It is also recommended that you approach reputable companies. You can find out more by visiting the Right to Buy your Council Home pages on our web site.

How much will it cost to buy my Council property?
It is not possible to tell you this unless you make a formal application to buy the property. We will then instruct a valuer to value the property, and based on that valuation we will work out any discount you may be entitled to (the current maximum discount is £30,000). If you would like an application form, contact the Business Unit on 01395 517533 or e-mail businessunit@eastdevon.gov.uk

I am a joint tenant, but my partner wants to buy our Council Home - is this possible?
Yes. Unless one of the joint tenants gives consent for the other tenant to purchase in their own name, both tenants must be involved in the purchase. It is important that you receive proper legal advice as this may mean you may lose your rights to remain in the property. The tenancy rights of the non-purchasing tenant will end on completion of the purchase of the property.

I have bought my Council house but now wish to sell it. Will I qualify for Council housing?
No. If you buy your Council house and then voluntarily decide to sell or transfer it to someone else, making yourself intentionally homeless, it is unlikely that we will offer you housing.

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How long do I need to have been renting a Council property before I can buy it?
This depends on the start date of your tenancy with either a Local Authority or Housing Association. If your tenancy started before 18 January 2005, and you have been a tenant continuously since that time, you have the Right to Buy after at least two years as a tenant. For anyone else, you have the Right to Buy after at least five years as a tenant. For further information contact the Business Unit on 01395 517533 or email businessunit@eastdevon.gov.uk More information is also available by clicking here.

I'm in Sheltered Accommodation, can I buy my Council home?
No. For further information, please contact the Housing Business Manager on 01395 516551 or e-mail businessunit@eastdevon.gov.uk  You can also find out more by clicking here.

My Council home is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will this affect my Right to Buy?
It will not affect your Right to Buy but may affect a subsequent re sale. This is because you will have to ensure that any prospective purchaser is made aware of the covenants contained within the sale deeds. These will exclude a sale to any purchaser who has not lived or worked within the administrative County of Devon, or can prove a Devon connection for a period of at least 3 years. This is done to help ensure that more affordable housing is available to local people.

Is it possible for my son/daughter/spouse to participate in the Right to Buy?
Yes. It is possible but the property must be their principal home. They must have occupied the home for at least 12 months prior to the Right to Buy application. For further information contact the Business Unit on 01395 517533 or e-mail  businessunit@eastdevon.gov.uk

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