Housing Frequently Asked Questions..

Housing Frequently Asked Questions

Please select a question from below

How do I become a tenant of GCHA?

Nuisance Neighbours, what can I do?

Can I make improvements to my property?

What do I do if I want to move home?

How do I pay my rent?

Having trouble paying your rent?

What is a service charge?

How can I find out about and influence the services in my area?

How do I request a repair?

I'm disabled. Can you help?

Is there any work scheduled for my property?

Can I buy my home?

How do I make a complaint about GCHA?

Q: How do I become a tenant of GCHA?

A: GCHA does not take direct applications for housing. You will need to register with the local authority for housing and state that you are interested in becoming a tenant of GCHA or another housing association. The following links will take you to the local authority web sites where you can obtain more information on how to register for affordable housing.

Please click on your local council below

Q: Nuisance Neighbours, what can I do?

A: GCHA asks all tenants to be considerate of their neighbours and not to cause a nuisance but tenants are also asked to be tolerant of other tenants who may have lifestyles which are different from yours.

Normal day to day living is not a nuisance or anti-social behaviour,for example:

Babies crying
Cooking odours
Normal behaviour occurring at unusual times because of different working patterns, provided attempts are made to keep the disturbances to a minimum
One off parties, e.g. BBQ where there is no evidence the problem will re-occur
Clash of lifestyles including cultural differences
Children’s play

If you believe that you are experiencing problems which are greater than this, first speak with your neighbours and try and resolve the issue in a neighbourly way.

If this is not successful you should contact our customer services advisors who will listen to the problem and advise you on what action you can take with the assistance of your estate officer.

Q: Can I make improvements to my property?

A: From time to time tenants may want to make an improvement to their property. You must contact us if you are considering improvements before any work is carried out as you will need our written permission to carry out any work.

Q: What do I do if I want to move home?

A: If you need to move, either to a more suitable home or for other reasons such as to be nearer to work or family, you can apply for a transfer. Or you can swap homes with another tenant through a mutual exchange. Please call Customer Services for more information on moving home .

Q: How do I pay my rent?

A: There are a number of ways you can pay your rent:

Bank accounts: if you have a bank account you can set up a direct debit or standing order. You can obtain a form from the office or download a form from the download section.
Allpay: you can pay by Allpay at any post office or participating shop. You can also use the web link to pay your rent direct to Allpay. You will need your tenant reference number handy. If you need a new or replacement card please contact the Customer Service Advisors.
Housing benefit: if you are in receipt of housing benefit this can be paid directly to GCHA. Contact Customer Services for more details on how to arrange this.

Q: Having trouble paying your rent?

A: If you are experiencing financial difficulties you should let us know as soon as possible. We may be able to arrange for you to pay off any arrears gradually or offer some advice on benefits you may be entitled to. Contact the Customer Service Advisors who will be happy to help.

Q: What is a service charge?

A: This charge is added to your rent and covers the additional services we carry out, such as cleaning the communal areas of flats or keeping shared gardens neat and tidy. We always try and keep these charges as low as possible and regularly review costs.

Q: How can I find out about and influence the services in my area?

A: GCHA has a number of ways in which you can be involved in local service delivery and accountability.

We hold annual tenant consultation meetings on business performance and local priorities. These are normally held in the Spring to allow us to plan and incorporate local priorities into the budget and business plan.

GCHA will respond positively to tenant requests to develop local initiatives and standards of management.

GCHA also provides information for tenants on lettings and housing management, our repairs services and wider performance. This information is distributed through the annual report, newsletters and this web site. We can arrange to have this information sent to you in different formats or languages if you prefer.

Q: How do I request a repair?

A: You can telephone the office on 01474 369 830, write in or email us on general@gcha.org.uk.

Q: I'm disabled. Can you help?

A: We may be able to provide adaptations to your home to allow you to live more independently. They include such things as grab rails, lever taps, showers, lifts and ramps. Our office has a hearing loop and all our information can be sent in large print, audio and braille. To find out more contact your estate manager or the customer service advisors.

Q: Is there any work scheduled for my property?

A: You can call the office and speak to the maintenance surveyor or the customer services advisors who will be pleased to help.

Q: Can I buy my home?

A: Only tenants who occupied a property built after 1st April 1997 are eligible for the right to acquire - there is no right to buy as a tenant of GCHA. Please contact the Customer Service Manager to see if your property qualifies. There are other restrictions and for further information please click the website button below.

Q: How do I make a complaint about GCHA?

A: If you want to make a complaint about GCHA then please write or email or send us a letter giving us details of your complaint. You can also download a complaints form or speak to a customer services advisor who will record your complaint. If you want information on our complaints policy please visit the download section.