Under One Roof

Under One Roof is the name of the new way to find a home in St Helens. Under One Roof is a partnership between St Helens Council, Helena Housing and all the other housing associations in the borough. It has been designed to allow people more choice in the housing available to them by advertising the available properties every fortnight in a range of locations. Almost all of the housing properties in St Helens are advertised through Under One Roof so it is the main way of renting a housing association property.

How can I join?
Anyone aged 16 and above can apply to become a member of Under One Roof. There are rules of membership, which are explained in the application pack.

Where are properties advertised?
Available properties are advertised in the St Helens Star and Reporter newspapers on a fortnightly basis (alongside the Estate Agency Sections) and information is also available in Helena Housing Association local offices, St Helens Contact Centre and at the Housing Options and Advice Service. The Under One Roof website also contains information on the properties available.

How long would I have to wait before I find a property?
This depends on your current circumstances. When you apply to Under One Roof your needs will be assessed and you will be placed in a ‘Band’ from A-D according to your needs. As a St Helens Care Leaver you will receive Band A status. It is then up to you to choose (‘bid’ for) the properties you are interested in. At the end of each cycle, the property is offered to the person who is in the highest band. If there are two people in the same band then it then goes on date of membership.

How can I find out more information?
Please call 01744 636363 to speak to a member of the Under One Roof team or visit www.under-one-roof.org.uk. You can also speak to your Social Worker or Personal Adviser who will offer support.

Renting From a Private Landlord

There is a growing private rented sector in St Helens and for many people renting from a private landlord provides a flexible alternative to the social rented sector.

There are a number of advantages of renting privately, such as the ability to move in quickly, no waiting lists, flexibility around lengths of tenancy and choice of location and house type. However, some people find that the deposit and rent in advance can prevent them from considering this option. The Care Leavers financial policy highlights that, if there are no other sources of support available, there is financial support available for St Helens Care Leavers to obtain a deposit/bond.

St Helens Council wants to raise standards in the private rented sector to ensure that properties rented out are decent and that landlords operate in a professional and fair manner. The Council has established a Landlords’ Forum and developed an Accreditation System, which will award good private landlords with a status that will help local residents when choosing where to live.

If you are looking to rent from a private landlord then please note the following advice:

Finding Accommodation
There are many Accommodation Agencies in St Helens who let and manage properties on behalf of private landlords. Details of these agencies can be found in the Yellow Pages or in the local newspapers. The local papers all contain details of properties to rent.

Local colleges can also be a good information source for students looking to rent accommodation.

If you are not working, check that the landlord will accept Housing Benefit payments and make sure you have applied for assistance and that you can meet the monthly rent due - don’t over commit yourself financially.

Work out the average request for a deposit and rent in advance and ensure you have this available before you sign.

Make sure you are given a tenancy agreement that sets out your rights and responsibilities - the Housing Options and Advice Service can provide you with advice on this issue.

If you are renting a part furnished / fully furnished property, ensure that an inventory is completed before you move in.

For more information on the Landlords' Forum or Landlord Accreditation, you can contact the Private Sector Liaison Officer at St Helens Council on 01744 671 639. For general advice on private renting, please contact the HO&AS on 01744 675150.