Croydon Affordable Homes

96 previously council-owned temporary accommodation homes have been transferred to Croydon Affordable Homes to rent out. We have written to all residents who are affected by this change, a copy of this letter is available to download below.

It is very important that all residents who have received this letter respond to it to arrange for a new assured shorthold tenancy agreement to be issued. Find out more about this in our Q&As below.

Your rent will remain the same and after signing the initial 12 month tenancy with Croydon Affordable Homes there is the potential for a long-term tenancy with the option to sign a three year agreement.

Do I need to do anything?

Yes, we need you to complete a notice to bring your current tenancy to an end and also make an appointment to sign a new tenancy agreement. You will need to email croydonah@croydon.gov.uk for an appointment to sign your new tenancy agreement. All documentation will be provided to you at your appointment.

Please note, we will respond to all emails sent to the above email address within 48 hours.

What will change for me?

On a day-to-day basis nothing will change. You property will continue to be managed by Croydon Council but on behalf of Croydon Affordable Homes, so please still email croydonah@croydon.gov.uk for any issues about your tenancy.

Having a tenancy agreement with Croydon Affordable Homes will provide you with a greater security than your previous short-term agreement with the council. Your initial tenancy agreement with Croydon Affordable Homes will be for twelve months with the potential to sign a three year agreement after the initial twelve months.

How will I pay my rent?

There will be no change in the method or how to make your rent payment. The council housing service will continue to collect your rent. If you experience any difficulty in making your regular rent payments you must contact your income officer.

If you are receiving housing benefit or universal credit please ensure your new tenancy agreement is presented to the relevant benefit agencies to register the change of landlord name.

Why has my rent increased?

As an existing tenant your rent will remain the same, however, the amount on your bill will look different as it will be for the month rather than for the week, as it was previously.

Consequences of accepting or refusing this offer

If you refuse this offer, this could mean that we no longer have a duty to accommodate you, any accommodation we are currently providing will come to an end and you will have to make your own arrangements.

If you accept this offer, it means that we have fulfilled our duty to you as a homeless applicant by providing you with suitable accommodation.  As you will then be adequately housed, you will no longer be eligible to remain on the housing register.

Should you become homeless or threatened with homelessness within two years of accepting this offer, the council may be under a duty to assist you again under s193(2) providing you remain eligible for assistance and you are not intentionally homeless.  (You must contact the council immediately if you receive a notice from your landlord asking you to leave the accommodation).

You have the right to request a review of the suitability of the accommodation offered.  Any such request for a review must be received within 21 days of the date you are notified of our decision to discharge the duty to you. You can request a review of our decision even if you accept the offer; however, you must sign the tenancy agreement, pending the review.

Will this affect my status on the housing register?

Once you sign your new tenancy, your housing register application will be cancelled and you will not be eligible to re-join our housing register for 12 months. Should you reapply for homelessness assistance, we may not be under a new duty to provide accommodation or other assistance.

Who are Croydon affordable Homes?

Croydon Affordable Homes is a registered charity which works with the council to boost the housing supply in the borough and make housing more affordable for both local tenants and the council. They set affordable rents and give priority to local people in most need.

What if I am currently overcrowded?

If you are currently overcrowded, you must notify us in writing, you can email us at croydonah@croydon.gov.uk advising us of any new members of your household.  We would encourage you to explore all alternative housing options such as Homefinder UK or private sector letting agents.

Please don’t let this stop you from agreeing to this offer. We will look into your overcrowding query with Croydon Affordable Homes to see if more suitable accommodation is available.

What if I am currently under-occupying?

If you are currently under-occupying your current accommodation you must notify us in writing, you can email us at Croydonah@croydon.gov.uk  

What I have been offered a new build secure tenancy and await a sign-up date?

Signing the agreement will not affect the secure offer, tenants are still required to sign the CAH as the current agreement will come to an end.

What will happen to the pending legal action?

All pending legal action will be placed on hold during the tenancy transfer to Croydon Affordable Homes.  We would encourage you to pay any outstanding rent or sign a payment plan and maintain it.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Please email any further questions to Croydonah@croydon.gov.uk