3. Eligibility - Who is eligible
Anyone over 16 years of age and over can apply to the housing register if they are eligible. However this does not guarantee housing under the scheme, as, by law, there are defined groups of applicants who cannot be re-housed. An applicant’s eligibility for the scheme will be assessed before access is given to complete an application. It may be necessary to provide evidence of eligibility during the process which will include at least 5 years of past housing history. East Devon cannot provide accommodation to ineligible applicants.
Applicants under the age of 18 will only be considered with a guarantor. Upon their 18th birthday they will be required to sign a tenancy agreement. 3.2 Under the Housing Act (1996) as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Localism Act (2011), Local Authorities must consider whether applicants are eligible for housing assistance. This relates to some applicants who may have been living abroad or who do not have permanent permission to remain in the UK. Some applicants will be ineligible, whether or not they are subject to immigration control. Regulations relating to this may be updated regularly.