Here at HOS, our brokerage team works extremely hard to offer the best advice and support they can to our clients. That support comes in all sorts of forms, and the advice we give is different for every household. The following is a round-up of just some of the many ways our clients have presented to us over the past few weeks, and what we’ve been doing to help them.
Tessa supported a client in their 70s, who was living in a private let but needed somewhere more suitable due to their medical needs. Tessa helped them with applications and chased up social landlords to ensure their applications had the correct points and banding. After the correct assessments, the client was placed on the local council’s list for sheltered housing, with high priority due to their age and medical needs. The case could have been closed once the applications were updated, but Tessa kept it open as the client needed further support – HOS brokers work with their clients for as long as they are needed. The client recently viewed and accepted a flat in their local area. They are delighted with this outcome –
“I would like to thank you though for all your hard work for me getting this place. I will let you know though when I get the nod to move in”
Erin helped a client who was living with their partner and two children in a council property. The children both need additional support and are unable to live independently. The client was looking to move as the family home’s rural location was causing issues with transport and medical care. Erin advised them that the council was unlikely to assist them with this as they would be considered suitably housed. Instead, Erin suggested home ownership and the private rental sector as housing options. The client was interested in home ownership, so Erin referred them to an Independent Financial Advisor and helped them complete an application for the Access Ownership scheme. The Access Ownership panel decided that the scheme was not applicable in this case. However, the family got a mortgage in principle and recently put an offer in on a house! They are hoping to move in soon.
Ryan is working with a client who has severe asthma and chest infections which means they are struggling with going up the stairs to their flat. The client reported that they can’t leave their home if their respiratory problems are particularly severe, so they are looking to move. Ryan talked them through their different housing options, including social housing, sheltered housing and mutual exchange. To move forward with exploring these options, the client asked for paper forms. So, Ryan mailed a HOS mandate form. This form allows our brokers to speak to housing providers and local authorities on a client’s behalf. Ryan also ensured that a paper Home for You form was sent to the client. Ryan is now working with the client to progress their applications.
It can be difficult to navigate your housing options alone. Our Housing Options Brokers are here to help and offer free, individualised support and advice. Get in touch or fill out one of our Get Help forms if you need guidance.