Glossary of Terms

Homeseeker

Berneslai Homes uses a choice-based lettings scheme. Vacant homes are advertised, and customers express an interest. The property is then offered to the applicant with the highest priority, according to the lettings policy. You can find more information about Barnsley's scheme at www.berneslaihomes.co.uk.

Lettings Policy Priority

When you apply for housing, you will be placed in a band which reflects your current housing circumstances. There are five bands. You can find more information on our lettings policy at www.berneslaihomes.co.uk.

Housing Association (also known as registered social landlord)

A housing provider. They provide rented housing, shared ownership and other housing services, at affordable prices.

British citizenship

If you are not a British citizen, we will contact you for proof of your nationality and right to live in the UK.

Extra care

Extra care involves being in receipt of support of over 4 hours per week

District Heating

District heating is heating from a central boiler which serves a group of homes.

Notice to quit

A notice to quit is a letter from your landlord telling you that your tenancy will end on a certain date and that you have to leave by then.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered Housing schemes provide support for older or vulnerable people in a safe environment where residents can live independently and join in with social and community activities if they wish. Applicants must be 60 years and over and have a need for housing related support. Housing related support can include checks to ensure your welfare and security, help with managing budgets and claiming benefits, and other issues relating to your tenancy. Consideration will also be given to applicants under 60 years old where there is a medical and housing related support need.

Affordable home ownership

Barnsley Council's Strategic Housing Service works with private developers and housing associations in Barnsley to provide affordable home-ownership schemes (often on a shared-ownership basis) to help people get onto the property ladder. In South Yorkshire, you can get more information about affordable, low-cost home-ownership schemes from 'Plumlife' by visiting www.plumlife.co.uk.

Local connection

By 'local connection', we mean having family living in Barnsley (for example, parents, children, brotheres, sisters and grandparents), or working or studying in Barnsley.