When we have an empty home, we have to decide who will be offered it. We consider two factors;
We start off by considering applications which have been placed in Band 1, the highest band. If it is not suitable for anyone we will then look at applications in Band 2, then Band 3, and so on.
If a Canterbury City Council or local housing association tenant wishes to move, and their home could then be offered to a family in high housing need, we will give the tenant priority for a move. Also, persons with a priority for a move may not be considered for the next vacant home, if we know a more suitable home will become vacant soon.
The types and sizes of empty homes, and the areas which they are in, vary considerably. Also, the needs of persons applying for housing are very different, and it is impossible to define them all here. However, the following is a guide to the size and type of homes families will be considered for.
In general families with children under 10 years old will be considered first for houses. Families with older children will be considered for upstairs flats or maisonettes. Ground floor housing will be offered first to those who need it.
Persons who have a strong connection with a rural community may be considered for larger homes in areas where empty properties are rare.



