Housing allocation rules
Housing allocations by housing co-operatives (co-ops) are monitored by the Scottish Housing Regulator (formerly Communities Scotland). They have to meet the same criteria, with regard to allocations, as other registered social landlords.
Housing co-ops allocations
Housing co-ops must, by law, have publicly available rules with regard to the priority for allocations, transfer to other landlords, and mutual exchanges and anyone aged 16 or over is entitled to be admitted to the waiting list. [1]
For more information on allocations, please see the section on allocation of housing.
Co-ops, like other registered social landlords, must also operate appeals and complaints procedures.
The only requirement that applies specifically to fully mutual co-ops in respect of housing allocation is that a tenancy can only be granted to individuals who have joined the co-op and acquired membership. [2] The usual fee for this is £1.
Suspended or refused applications
An applicant whose application has been refused or suspended should, in the first instance, use the co-op's internal appeals mechanism. This will usually involve either an appeal or a request for the use of discretionary powers to the co-op's committee. If this is unsuccessful, the applicant can report any breach of written policies to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). Concerns that relate to the co-op's policy can be reported to the Scottish Housing Regulator, particularly if it appears that the Scottish Housing Regulator's requirements have been breached. For more information, please see the section on registered social landlords.
Last updated: 9 December 2019