Right to Buy/Acquire
Who has the preserved Right to Buy/Right to Acquire?
The Preserved Right to Buy applies to people who were existing tenants of Middlesbrough Council and became tenants of Erimus Housing at the date the properties transferred to Erimus Housing ownership on 15th November 2004.
The Right to Acquire applies to people who have become a new tenant of Erimus Housing since 15th November 2004.
Who cannot apply?
You will not be able to apply if:
- You are a starter tenant (new tenancy)
- You have not held a local authority tenancy for two years (Right to Buy) or a housing association tenancy for five years (Right to Acquire).
- You live in a property suitable for occupation by elderly people which was first let before 1st January 1990 and was let for occupation by someone aged 60 or more.
- You live in sheltered housing i.e. if the property is one where a warden service is provided and there is a common room nearby.
- Your tenancy goes into rent arrears and an agreement is made between you and Erimus Housing to make payments. If this agreement is breached, your tenancy is then classed as a tolerated trespasser and you lose all rights as a tenant.
- Your property is let in connection with your job.
- An application can be cancelled if a Demolition Notice is served.
- Yourself or another household member is served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), a notice can be served to suspend the Right to Buy/Right to Acquire application.
- You’re an undischarged bankrupt or have an agreement with creditors.
How do I apply to purchase the property?
The Right to Buy process is free from Erimus Housing.
Application forms are available from the Land and Property Section on 01642 773644 and should be returned to Erimus Housing Ltd, 4th Floor, Centre North East, 73–75 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RU.
If you choose to submit your application through a third party, you could incur costs for their services.
What is the timescale?
The timescale for the Right to Buy process varies between houses and flats.
A house application takes up to 12 weeks to process; everything is based from the date your application is received by Erimus Housing. Four weeks from the date of application, we send an RTB2 which confirms if you have the Right to Buy or not. If you qualify for the Right to Buy, we have eight weeks from this date we send the Landlord’s Offer Notice.
A flat application takes up to 16 weeks to process; everything is based from the date your application is received by Erimus Housing. Four weeks from the date of application we send the RTB2 which confirms if you have the Right to Buy or not. If you qualify for the Right to Buy, we then have 12 weeks from this date we send the Landlord’s Offer Notice.
Purchasing a flat?
If you purchase your flat you will become a leaseholder, which makes you responsible for the interior of your home.
Erimus Housing is responsible for the maintenance of the structure and exterior of the block.
Flats are leased for 125 years.
What discount will I receive?
The Preserved Right to Buy has a maximum discount of £22,000 and a maximum of 30 years of tenancy can be claimed.
The Right to Acquire has a fixed maximum discount of £9,000.
The percentage you receive at the time depends on the amount of time you have spent as a tenant. This can include any tenancies held with other local authorities or housing associations.
Private tenancies are not included in your previous tenancies.
Can I appeal against the valuation?
Yes, you can appeal. If you disagree with the valuation provided by Erimus Housing, you can appeal to the District Valuer who will revalue your property. This valuation will be final.
If you wish to appeal, you have three months from your offer date to apply. The form to complete is available from the Right to Buy Section on 01642 773644 and should be returned to Erimus Housing Ltd, 4th Floor, Centre North East, 73–75 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RU.
Will I need a solicitor?
When you go to complete the sale of your property you will need to arrange your own solicitor.
Who can I contact?
If you have any further enquires regarding the Right to Buy/Right to Acquire process please contact the Right to Buy Section on 01642 773644 or write to us at Erimus Housing Ltd, 4th Floor, Centre North East, 73 – 75 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RU.
Alternatively, you can email us by clicking here.
Please be aware that anyone visiting your property promoting the Right to Buy/Right to Acquire does not work for Erimus Housing.