How do I apply for re-housing?
Firstly you must be a member of Leeds Homes.
How do I become a member of Leeds Homes?
Just fill out a registration form. You can pick up a form from your local Housing Office or One-Stop-centre. You can also follow the link on this page to their website.
I am already registered with Leeds Homes.
If you are registered with Leeds Homes. You can apply to our service by downloading a Medical referral form from our website and returning it to the Medical Housing Team, or if you prefer you can contact us direct by telephoning (0113) 395 2562
If I do not live in Leeds can I apply for Medical priority?
You can only apply for Medical Priority if you have a local connection with Leeds. The criteria include residence, employment, family or other special reason. For customers moving to Leeds with medical/mobility needs, it is imperative you provide accurate up to date medical/occupational therapy reports. This will help to determine if you warrant Medical Priority and the type of property best suited to your needs.
What if I don’t have a local connection with Leeds?
If you do not have a local connection you can not apply for medical priority, but you can register with Leeds Homes. Once registered you can still express interest in our homes in the general needs band.
What happens next?
All Medical referrals will be registered within 3 days. If your application meets our criteria we will arrange to visit you in your home within 2 weeks if you live within the Leeds City Council boundaries.
The Medical Visitor will be happy for you to have a relative or support worker present at the interview.
What happens at the home visit?
The Medical Visitor will discuss your medical condition, housing difficulties and how this impacts on your daily activities. A report will be completed at the visit. The Medical Visitor will also offer you advice and discuss your housing options.
Can I see my medical report?
Yes. You can request a copy of your medical report by writing to the Medical Housing Team.
Who decides if I am eligible for medical priority?
Once all the facts have been gathered a decision will be made by the Medical Visitor or the Doctor within the team. You will be informed of the decision by letter within two weeks of the visit date.
There are 2 levels of Medical priority we can award.
If awarded Medical Priority you will have 4 months to use your priority before it expires. It is therefore important that you actively express interest in properties advertised or you could lose your Medical Priority.
How long will it take for me to be re-housed?
This will depend on your areas of choice and type of accommodation you are requesting. The Medical Visitor will offer you advice on your housing options.
Where can I find out which homes are available?
Homes are advertised on the Leeds Homes Website. They are also advertised each Wednesday in the Leeds Homes property flyer in the Yorkshire Ad Trader publication which is available at most newsagents. You can also pick up a free copy of the Leeds Homes property flyer at the Leeds Housing Advice Centre, all Council Housing Offices, One Stop Centers and participating Housing Associations Offices.
Each week you can express an interest in up to 3 properties. Advertised homes are let to the customer in the highest housing need who made an expression of interest in the available home.
When more then one person in the same priority band make an expression of interest in a property, the property is let to the customer who has been waiting longest in that priority need band.
I keep expressing interest in properties, but I am not selected. Why?
It could be that you are expressing interest in properties which do not meet your medical needs. Medical Priority is awarded with a housing recommendation. If you are expressing an interest in properties that do not match this recommendation you will not be selected for the home.
What should I do if I need an adapted home?
If your needs are more complex and you require a specially adapted property, we will liaise on your behalf with an Occupational Therapist to help you find a suitable home
What happens if my priority expires and I have not been re-housed?
Leeds Homes will contact you in writing 6 weeks before your priority is about to expire.
If you have been actively expressing interest in properties but have not being selected, or you require an adapted home but none have been advertised, you can ask them to reinstate your priority reinstated for a further 4 months by writing or telephoning the Housing Office where your papers are held
Why, have I not been awarded Medical Priority despite having health problems?
It could be that your reasons for moving do not fall within the medical criteria for re-housing.
For example: Customers would not be awarded Medical Priority if they were homelessness, overcrowded, or suffering from ,noise nuisance, harassment, vandalism, damp and disrepair or, unreliable lifts. If pregnant, or struggling with the upkeep of your house and garden, or you are adequately housed, you would not be awarded medical priority.
The Medical Housing Team will be happy to offer you advice on where you can get help if your reasons to move do not fall within our priority assessment criteria.
I am unhappy with the decision what can I do?
You can contact us directly to discuss the decision with the Medical Visitor. If you are still unhappy with the explanation you can appeal against the decision.
How do I Appeal?
Customers should submit their request in writing to the Medical Housing Team within 21 days of the decision letter. All Appeals will be considered by an independent Doctor and a panel of Senior Managers not previously involved with your case.
On receiving your letter we will write to you within 3 working days to inform you of the date of the next Appeals Hearing. Once a decision has been reached on your case the Senior Officer will write to you with the decision within 5 working days.
The Medical Housing Team can also give you advice, information and refer you onto other services
- Referrals for minor aids and adaptations to the home.
- Arranging for Care Ring (a 24 alarm call service) to be installed in the property.
- Advice on energy efficiency and referrals for heating grants.
- Referrals for supported housing.
- Informing customers of voluntary services in their area.
- Benefits advice
- Care and Repair
- Referrals to Social Services for support and care in the home.
- Assisting vulnerable customers and customers requiring adapted homes with the Choice Based Lettings Scheme.
- Offering advocacy and support to enhance home safety/ security.