Can we download the application form from the website?

Yes the application form can be downloaded from the website here.  

Can we specify on the application form that we need a ground floor?

Yes, question 8 indicates whether the applicant need ground floor or lift access.

Can we put down more than 5 choices of estate on the application form?

Yes, there is no limit to the number of preferences applicants can list for.

Can I fill out the application form on my relative’s behalf?

Yes, however the application form must be signed by the prospective applicants.

What are your criteria for going onto the waiting list?

Applicants can register onto our waiting lists at 55 but on the majority of our estates we will not allocate a property until the applicant reaches the age of 60.

I am over 55 but my wife/husband is not, can we both apply?

Both can apply, however if a property was to become available the tenancy would only be able to be assigned to the person who was 60, once wife/husband met the age criteria, the tenancy could be transferred into joint tenancy.

I am already a Hanover tenant do I need a separate application form?

An application form would need to completed for a transfer, if you were wanting to transfer for a medical reason a medical assessment transfer form would need to also be completed as well.

Do you have properties to sell?

Yes, please see our sales page here or ring the Service Centre on 0800 2802575 for more details.

Do you have a list of the properties for sale?

Yes, please ring the Service Centre on 0800 2802575. 

How does your waiting lists work, do you offer points for homelessness etc?

Waiting Lists operate on date order system.  Each estate has there own waiting list.  Hanover does not prioritise Homeless applicants we suggest you contact the local authority.

I have medical problems, will that help my application?

Yes, you will have to complete a medical assessment form and your application will then be assessed by Lettings Panel.

Do you accept pets?

Hanover operates a pet friendly policy

Do you accept people on your waiting list who are on Housing Benefit?

Yes we do.

We are homeowners; does that make any difference to our application?

No, if you were successful in being allocated a property whilst still waiting to sell your property you can claim up to 6 months Housing Benefit on the Hanover property whilst waiting to sell your property, as long as the Hanover property is your main residence. 

I haven’t got a local connection to any of the areas that I have chosen, does that matter?

This does not matter to a majority of our estates.  Some estates do require a local connection however this will be indicated on the website.

Are there any bungalows on that estate?

Each estate is unique, it will depend on the area you have chosen.

Are there two bedroom properties on that estate?

Not all of the estates have two bedroom properties, it will depend on the area you have chosen. For more information please call our Service Centre on 0800 2802575.

Is there a lift on the estate?

All Extra Care estate will have a lift. For other type of properties this will depend on the estate, as facilities will vary. For more information on an individual estate please contact our Service Centre on 0800 2802575.

What hours do the Estate Managers work?

Estate Managers hours to vary from estate to estate. For details on an individual estate please call our Service Centre on 0800 2802575.

What is Hanover on Call?

24 hour emergency alarm service – in most cases from our own centre in Chippenham, however sometimes by using another organisation’s centre. 

What are the rents for that estate?

This will vary for each estate.  Please contact the Service Centre on 0800 2802575 for details.

What does the rent figure include?

The overall figure will include your rent and service charge and support charge, depending on the estate you are living in, this may also included water charge, heating charge. 

What band Council Tax are the properties?

You will need to contact the local authority about which council tax band a particular property comes under.

How can we pay for the rent?

Direct Debit is the preferred payment, or a standing order.  You can also pay by a swipe card.

What is Supporting People?

Supporting People Grant is similar to Housing Benefit in that it is only paid to residents on a low income.  Housing Benefit pays for the costs relating to the buildings and accommodation and Supporting People Grant pay the support costs on the Service Charge.  The Service Charge is split into two separate costs, so the costs Support charge is 25% of the Estate Manager’s salary and alarm costs.

What does the Service Charge include?

The Service Charge is the costs for all the services provided on the Estate, 50% of the Estate Manager’s Salary and contracts for the communal facilities, e.g cleaning, gardening.

What facilities are on the site, lift, communal lounge etc?

This will depend on the estate, as facilities will vary. For more information on an individual estate please contact our Service Centre on 0800 2802575.

What is ExtraCare and what are the criteria for applying?

Extracare is accommodation for the frail elderly, it is required that applicants have a care/support need.  Each estate has it’s own lettings procedure and criteria for applying on the estate.

What does “100% nomination” mean?

The Local Authority holds the waiting list to the estate, so they provide Hanover with applicant details to then allocate the properties.

Once we have an application, can we add other estates on and take some off?

Yes, you will be able to do this please contact our Service Centre on 0800 2802575 for more information.

We seem to have gone down on the waiting list, why is this?

The waiting lists can change on a daily basis, as the waiting lists are in date order, any applicant can change their area preferences.  The waiting may also change if there a medical priorities or sponsored nominations on the waiting list.

How often do properties come up and how quickly do the waiting lists move?

This will vary from estate, we do hold an available now list with properties that a currently vacant. To see this list please click here.

Who will contact me to offer me a property?

The Lettings Officer from the Service Centre will contact you to advise you that a property is available.

Can we go and look at the properties on our chosen estate?

If there is a vacant property on the estate, the Estate Manager can arrange for you to view a property. However properties are normally viewed once they have been allocated as each property will vary.

I have a repair, how do I report this? 

Please contact your Estate Manager who will report the repair, if the Estate Manager is not on the estate.  If it is during out of hours pull your cord

Do you do mutual exchanges?

Yes, however it is the responsibility of the resident to find someone to exchange a property with; the incoming tenant must meet Hanover’s criteria

How long do I have to give notice to terminate my tenancy?

One calendar month’s notice in writing is needed.  If it is due to a death then the property is terminated with effect from the date the keys are handed back.

What do I do as a relative as my mother was occupying the property and she has died?

The Next of Kin needs to notify the Estate Manager and Lettings Officer in the Service Centre of the death.

How quickly do I need to start my tenancy after I accept?

The tenancy will start at the latest 14 days after the property has been accepted

Can I contact you to find out where I am on the list, or do I wait for you to contact me?

It is fine for you to contact Hanover to see where you are on the waiting list, however the Estate Manager’s will contact you on a regular basis to check you are still interested and we will also send you a review letter on an annual basis if no contact has been made.

Can I go on other Housing Association waiting lists, will this affect by application with you?

Yes, your application will not be affected.

Do you know of any other Housing Associations that may be able to help me?

We would suggest contacting your Local Authority who hold a list of housing associations in their area.

Can I go on the Local Authority waiting list as well as yours?

Yes, we would strongly suggest applying with the Local Authority as well as Hanover, as a majority of the Local Authorities have 50% nomination rights to our waiting lists.

I am a single person, can I apply for a two bedroom property?

We try to let properties which match the size of households seeking re-housing and/or meet the medical needs of residents.  This means that two bedroom  properties will be offered to a couple with a son or daughter, a couple with proven need for two bedrooms, a brother and sister, a household that has support from a live in carer before any other applicants.