Regulator publishes new guide for tenants and service users

The Scottish Housing Regulator recently published How We Regulate: A guide for tenants and service users.  This handy new guide has been written to help you find out more about the work of the Regulator.  The guide also explains what you can do if you want to find out more about your landlord, what you can expect from your landlord and how to raise concerns. 

The guide is available to download from the Regulator's website which you can access by clicking their logo in our Related Links.

OHAL awarded funding for Open Market Shared Equity

Following a re-tendering exercise, Orkney Housing Association Limited (OHAL) has been re-appointed as agent for the Scottish Government to deliver their Open Market Shared Equity Scheme in Orkney and has been allocated £225,000 of the total funding of £2.085m available in the Highlands & Island for 2013/14.

The scheme helps eligible applicants to buy a home, with the Scottish Government funding between 10% and 40%. 

The scheme is open to help all first time buyers, with priority access provided to  people who rent from either the Council or the Association, disabled people, current and former members of the armed forces and their families.

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Shared ownership means secure future for sisters

Sisters Jennifer and Susanna Wainwright (pictured above, left and right respectively) are settling into their new life in Orkney after they signed up for a shared ownership house with Orkney Housing Association.

The girls both have learning disabilities and their parents, Lloyd and Annette, had been keen to provide security for them. Even though Jennifer and Susanna will always require support, their parents hope that having their own home will provide them with stability after they are no longer around.