Search Moves - Understanding the Adverts

Understanding the Adverts

Age Restrictions

Some properties have a minimum age requirement. Age restrictions are shown by a picture icon on the advert. Do not waste your bid if you are younger than the age shown within the icon as you will not be considered for the property. If you are interested in Sheltered or Independent Living housing for older people, please see Housing Options for applicants over 55.

Preference for PA Housing Transfer Applicants with a Local Connection

PA Housing will use the information you give on your application form to assess whether you have a local connection to any of boroughs within the Search Moves region. If you are a PA Housing transfer applicant you may have a connection to more than one borough.
When assessing a local connection we will take into account such factors as:

• Residence history
• Immediate family connection
• Place of employment
• Other special circumstances

We may advertise properties giving preference to transfer applicants with a connection to the borough in which the property is located. PA Housing transfer applicants are not able to join the Council housing register in Elmbridge Borough, although they may be able to do so in other boroughs.

What do the Mobility Icons mean?

This is intended to provide a guide to people who have various levels of mobility needs. There are 3 categories indicating level of need. This does not restrict anyone else from bidding for these properties but the advert will often say that priority will be given to members with mobility needs. This means that when shortlisting, normally only applicants with these needs will be considered.

Working Households

Some properties will be advertised with a 'W' icon specifically for applicants who are workers. The definition of work is a permanent job in the Borough of Elmbridge of at least 18 hours a week and an existing contract of 12 months or more. Properties advertised with a 'W' will be prioritised by band and priority date.

Pets

If you have a pet you will need to check for the ‘pet’ icon on an advert to know if pets are allowed. If you are offered a viewing you should still confirm with the landlord if they are happy to accept the number / type of pets you have.

Gardens

These may be communal (shared use) or private (sole use). If they are shared use there is likely to be a service charge for the maintenance of these. Sole use gardens will be your responsibility to properly maintain.

Number of Occupants

The icons show the minimum and maximum number of people suitable for each property. If your household falls outside of this range you may not be able to place a bid.

Accompanying photographs may only show typical properties in the advertised block or street. Please do not contact any occupants or contractors working in these buildings.

Key to Advert Symbols

Available for homeseekers only

Available for transferring tenants only

Available for homeseekers and transferring tenants

Available for key workers only

Working Households

Affordable Rent

This shows the property has a lift

This shows the property has no lift

Mobility Group 1 – Suitable for wheelchair user indoors and outdoors (defined by symbol and white bar)

Mobility Group 2 – Suitable for people who cannot manage steps or stairs and may use a wheelchair some of the day (defined by symbol and white bar)