Becoming a tenant
Port of Leith HA manages over 2100 properties located mainly in Leith, Lochend and Restalrig, with a few in Portobello. In addition to general needs housing we offer sheltered, amenity, wheelchair accessible and shared ownership housing. We work with a number of support agencies who provide specialist support to new and existing tenants. Anyone aged 16 or over are eligible to be considered for housing by Port of Leith HA.
Applicants must complete an Edindex form which can be obtained from any Housing Association, the City of Edinburgh Council or direct from Port of Leith HA. Please email us at info@polha.co.uk to request an Edindex form. Applications will be pointed in accordance with our Allocations Policy and those applicants who have sufficient priority will be considered for rehousing. We also take nominations from City of Edinburgh Council.
Responsibilities of Tenants
The Association offers tenancies under the Housing Scotland Act 2001. Some of the rights and responsibilities of being a tenant are as follows:
• Tenants are responsible for the cleanliness, hygiene and anything directly mentioned in the tenancy agreement
• Council tax. Every UK domestic property has its own yearly council tax rate based on the value of the property, the number of occupants, and the financial status of those occupants. Properties are graded in bands between A and H, according to the last figures the council has for approximate values of the properties - their market value on April 1, 1991.
Tenants are fully responsible for paying the council tax. Certain social groups, such as students, are exempt from paying council tax provided they fill out the correct forms and provide proof that they are in education. Single occupiers can get a 25% discount by applying to the local council at the Town Hall.
• Utilities. It is the tenants' responsibility to arrange for the services of the major utilities such as gas, electricity, telephone and television.
The obligations each party has towards utilities are outlined in a lease agreement.
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