Please note, Hamwic is under no obligation to accept any application to membership.
Applying for membership does not automatically mean that you will be offered housing either now or in the future. You should continue to explore all other housing options including contacting your local council.
RIGHT TO RENT
Non-UK nationals do not have an automatic Right to Rent in the UK, and will prove their Right to Rent before any offer of membership.
PLANNING TO CLAIM HOUSING BENEFIT/UNIVERSAL CREDIT?
THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES TO THE WELFARE REFORM ACT WHICH AFFECT HOW MUCH YOU CAN CLAIM
This affects 18-21 year olds, all tenants in shared housing, and under 35s in self-contained accommodation. Fully mutual co-operatives are currently exempt, this may change. All members are responsible for paying their rent on time and in full. Before applying, ensure you will be able to pay your rent.
IF YOU CAN NOT PAY YOUR RENT YOU WILL BE REFUSED MEMBERSHIP
APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP
If you would like to become a member download and complete the Application Pack. A Microsoft Word version of the application pack can be downloaded here and emailed to info@hamwichousingcoop.co.uk if you prefer. For a printed application pack, a large print application pack and/or a pack on coloured paper contact Hamwic Office on 02381 781990. Leave a message clearly stating your name and telephone number and you will receive a callback, pending capacity.
Return your completed membership application form to Hamwic Office. You will need to provide a contact telephone number on your application form, which we will use to contact you. If you are unavailable we may leave a message for you to call us. If you do not respond within four weeks we will not take your application further.
What happens next?
The Membership Application process has a number of stages, which usually takes about three months, but can take longer. An applicant is required to succeed at each stage before moving onto the next stage. If your application is unsuccessful you will be informed by letter.
After the initial stages of receiving and verifying an application, the next stage would be an interview with the Housing Group. The interview is similar to an informal job interview. It is an opportunity for you to find out more about Hamwic, and for us to find out what qualities you will bring to our Co-operative.
If your interview is successful and you still wish to join, references will be sought. Pending references, you will be sent a letter inviting you to our next General Meeting where your prospective membership will be put to a vote. Members present will be told about your Application details, and we will vote whether or not to accept you to membership.
If you pass every stage, and are invited into membership you will pay £1.00 to buy a Share Certificate and join a sub-group. You can then apply for housing.
Once a member, you will be prepared to take on the responsibilities of membership and are required by our Rules and Standing Orders to fulfil your obligations as a member of the Co-operative. Further information on membership obligations is given in the first 4 pages of the Application Pack. Failure to meet your obligations will mean loss of your membership, and consequently your home as Hamwic can only house members.
You will be provided with a Member’s Information Pack which includes information you require to learn more about the Co-operative and our rules and procedures. You are also expected to attend Induction Training at Hamwic Office.