If the outcome is that the remaining contract holder is under-occupying the property and therefore does not meet the required homeseeker matrix, they will be encouraged to seek alternative accommodation to meet their needs. During the investigation process, if it is established that the remaining contract holder is not eligible to remain, they should be encouraged to register with homeseeker, register with homeswapper for a transfer (exchange), or potentially direct matched to a suitable property. Please refer to the Joint to Sole process map.
The next step is to issue an RHW23 notice under Part D, Estate Management Grounds, Ground H (further information of this can be found under Schedule 10) and this notice can only be issued once the joint contract comes to an end.
- It must be issued within 6 months of the joint party’s contract ending
- A support referral must be made
- Email Homeseeker advising of the notice being issued so that they can issue Priority Banding for under-occupancy
Circumstances relating to Estate Management Ground H
If the claim is made wholly or partly on Ground H, consideration also needs to be given to the following:
- The age of the remaining contract holder/s
- The period during which the remaining contract holder/s has occupied the property as their only principal home
During this period, monitoring of homeseeker should take place weekly, and the remaining contract holder contacted if it is established that they are not bidding on suitable properties. Once the RHW23 has been issued, as the notice is only valid for 6 months, you will have 5 months from the date this notice expires to start possession proceedings. Autobid should be requested one month after requesting priority banding, and this should be clearly communicated with the Contract Holder so that they are aware that this will be implemented should they fail to bid.
However, if they are engaging and actively bidding, then you may consider allowing the initial RHW23 issued to lapse after the 6-month timescale, and re-issue the notice. A case conference should be considered if the individual is not successful in their bids or have refused suitable properties.
During this meeting, a direct match should be considered in line with Schedule 10 of the RHWA, and considerations of suitable alternative accommodation. It is appropriate for 1 offer of suitable accommodation to be provided. All correspondence and offers of accommodation are to be appropriately recorded in yoda, including documenting any emails sent.
For Joint to Sole cases which may sit outside of the normal Homeseeker requirements, we may look to give consideration where a single person is required to vacate their current property, as follows:
- Single person occupying 3bedroom property may be considered to downsize to a 2bedroom flat
- Single person occupying a 2bedroom house may be considered to move to a 2bedroom flat
- Single person is occupying a 2bedroom flat may be considered to remain at the property, subject to contract management investigations.
*Please note* This is not an exhaustive list of considerations. We will look at each case on their individual merit and work with the individual in question to reach a reasonable outcome. However, this may not always be the outcome hoped for as Bron Afon has to ensure that they are making the best and most efficient use of their housing stock.