Housing
Property Pool Plus
Property Pool Plus (PPP) is the route to social housing across the 5 Liverpool City Regions of Knowsley, Halton, Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool. You need to apply to join the housing register and once your application is active you will be able to place bids on suitable properties.
It is important that you register for PPP as soon as you are able because the longer you have been on the register, the higher up the shortlist for a property you will be.
Documents you will need to apply
You will need to provide documents to verify your eligibility to join the scheme. As a minimum we will need a copy of your visa, passport and National Insurance Number plus proof of residency for everyone in your household.
Available properties
Available properties are advertised on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, we recommend that you log into your account Thursday, Sunday as all available properties will be listed for you to view. You will only see properties that you are eligible for and you can place bids on up to 3 properties per week. If your bid is successful, you will be contacted by the landlord who owns the property.
Register for Property Pool Plus here
Property websites
The application process and eligibility criteria is not the same as for PPP so you will need to follow the instructions the landlords provide in their adverts.
Private landlords can also be found on websites such as:
- www.rightmove.co.uk
- www.dssmove.co.uk
- www.spareroom.co.uk
- www.openrent.co.uk
- https://www.zoopla.co.uk.
It’s often quicker to find a private rented property than wait for a social housing property due to limited availability and high demand. Check notice boards in supermarkets, small shops, newsagents, and libraries. If you use Facebook or Twitter, or any other social media, let your contacts know you are looking for a place. Ask friends or family to ask people they know or work with if they or anyone else they know has a property available to rent.
How long it can take to find a home
Demand for accommodation across the Knowsley borough is exceptionally high and waiting times for accommodation vary significantly based on the needs of the applicant and their current circumstances. It is important that you apply to join PPP as soon as you can.
If you have not secured accommodation within 56 days of your sponsor placement coming to an end, you must approach Knowsley Housing Solutions service for expert advice on your housing situation.
What Knowsley Housing Solutions can do
You can contact Knowsley Housing Solutions Service if you become:
- Homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days and
- Eligible based on their immigration and residence status
To make a homeless presentation please complete the Knowsley Housing Solutions online presentation form.
Once you have your online presentation form, Housing Solutions will carry out an assessment with you if you are:
- Homeless or threatened with homelessness and
- Eligible for help
The assessment will look at:
- Why you are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- What your housing needs are.
- What help you need to keep your current accommodation or to find alternative accommodation.
The homeless assessment will be given in writing. It will look at what reasonable steps you need to take and what steps Housing Solutions are expected to take. Both you and your Housing Solutions Officer will then agree a personalised housing plan (PHP) based on your homeless assessment. You will be given a copy of the assessment and a copy of your PHP.
If your sponsor needs you to move out
If your sponsor asks you to leave, if there is no other suitable sponsor available and Housing Solutions has reason to believe* you have a priority need (for example if you have children or are vulnerable), emergency accommodation will be secured while we carry out inquiries. If Housing Solutions are satisfied you are eligible and homeless, the service will take reasonable steps to help you secure accommodation.
Housing Solutions will be mindful that you have fled your home and country because of conflict and may not have relevant documents. However they will need a copy of your visa, passport and National Insurance Number, plus proof of residency for everyone in your household.
*‘Reason to believe is a low threshold and does not require proof.
Other important things to consider
Finding accommodation is part of the journey to becoming settled in your new community. You will also need to consider things like furniture and household bills so that your new tenancy is sustainable.
Typical household bills in the UK include but are not limited to:
- Rent
- Council tax
- Utilities (gas / electricity / water)
- TV licence
- Broadband / mobile phone
Furniture
- Charity shops
Like Big Help (Huyton) or Willowbrook Hospice (Prescot & Kirkby) sell donated items.
- Social enterprises
Like Bulky Bob's (Liverpool) offer quality second-hand furniture.
This scheme may be able to assist with the provision of essential furniture, up to a value of £1,000.
Tenants Extra Support Service (TESS)
A free service funded by Knowsley Council for Knowsley residents struggling with rent arrears, debt or ill health. Find out more here.