Who we may not house

You are not generally in housing need if you have the financial means to buy your own housing. We will consider whether the size and type of accommodation you need is available on the open market within your financial means. This is to ensure that we do not disadvantage those with lesser means. However we may agree to house those with greater financial resources where there is lower demand for the type of property or area requested.

We may consult any previous landlord or relevant agency. If we find that you or anyone in your household have/has behaved in an anti-social manner, have/has outstanding rent arrears, been violent towards neighbours or staff within the last five years we may refuse your application to be placed on the Housing Register, unless there are exceptional circumstances. We consider anti-social behaviour to be that which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to others that is serious enough for you to be considered unsuitable as a tenant.

If you have been convicted of any crime within the last five years we may similarly refuse your application.

You should make sure that you include all relevant details on the application form so that we can properly consider your application. If we find out at a later stage that you have not told us something you should have or misled us in any way, you may be taken off the Housing Register.

If your application is refused on any of the above grounds, we will give you the reasons for the decision in writing and advise you when you may re-apply. You will have the right to apply in writing for a review of the decision within 21 days.

We are not able to consider you for housing if you are under immigration control within the meaning of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 or are prescribed by the secretary of State as ineligible. If you are not sure whether you are under immigration control, please contact us to discuss this on telephone 01453 754078 or e-mail housing.advice@stroud.gov.uk