Hjaltland's 'Group and Points' System
Hjaltland's allocation system is designed to give priority to those applicants in greatest housing need by placing them in one of 7 categories or groups, according to which group the applicant scores most points in and the numbers of points scored (although applicants can also qualify for points in more than one group).
To see the different groups, click on Hjaltland's Letting Policy Leaflet.
Allocations according to group needs in each lettings area
As the following Table H shows, Hjaltland has a 'weighting' system by which a certain proportion of their houses are allocated in each letting area according to the seriousness of one category of housing need compared to another.
Table H: Letting Targets - 2010/2011
| General | 85% |
| Transfer | 15% |
| Sub Standard | 2% |
| Sharing | 22% |
| Social Needs | 3% |
| Occupancy | 13% |
| Insecure | 44% |
| Medical | 13% |
| Support | 3% |
Further advice on the applications and allocations process
Applicants and those who advise applicants should not hesitate to ask the staff at Hjaltland Housing Association's offices for further information and advice if it is required. Further detailed written information is available but staff are happy to discuss any questions arising.
Remember that it is better to include too much information on the application form rather than too little - and lose valuable points. If in doubt, or if the applicant requires help filling in the application form, then speak to Hjaltland's staff.
Once the application form is received by Hjaltland it is pointed by the staff who will then notify the applicant that he or she is now on the waiting list. Staff will tell an applicant at any time what points they have been allocated and discuss the potential availability of houses in the applicant's preferred area.
Hjaltland sends a review letter to applicants every six months and if no response is received within 3 weeks, they will be removed automatically from the waiting list.
Applicants can express a preference for up to 6 different areas (see Table G) and can change any of those areas whenever they want. As Hjaltland run a choice based lettings system applicants can apply for any property they are intereted in no matter where it is located as long as they meet the letting criteria for that property. All successful applicants receive a tenants handbook, which advises on the tenant's rights, responsibilities and the services provided by Hjaltland Housing Association.
Choice Based Lettings procedure
Hjaltland uses a Choice Based Lettings procedure in the allocation of its houses. This is a system, pioneered in Holland and widely used by English Associations which basically allows the applicant to put their name forward for the property he or she wishes to live in. To achieve this, all Hjaltland's properties which become available to let are advertised in the Shetland Times and on their website, which is updated weekly, at www.hjaltland.org.uk. Anyone, who has previously registered with Hjaltland, can apply for any property. The pointing policy and procedure determines which applicant is allocated the property.