We have a low turnover of empty properties with around only 50 becoming available for re-let each year. This figure includes our sheltered and extra care properties, which leaves around 30 general needs properties for let.

All of our properties are in high demand (with the exception of some of our sheltered flats) and our housing lists are long. In January 2020 we had approx. 500 applicants. This means that we will not, unfortunately, be able to re-house the majority of people who would like a house from us, and generally only applicants with a high level of priority will be offered housing.

New tenants will be required to sign a Scottish Secure Tenancy (SST) Agreement or Short Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement. This is a legal contract between the tenant and Bridgewater as landlord. It sets out the terms and conditions under which tenants rent their homes from us.

Our housing is located in the Bargarran, North Barr and Park Mains areas of Erskine. We have a variety of house types – houses, flats, bungalows suitable for disabled persons, amenity housing and supported housing for older people (sheltered and extra care). A fuller description of our properties is given in our application packs.

We allocate housing by setting annual targets for each of our 5 Priority Groups (homeless, mobility, housing need, transfers and applicants with no housing need). The targets are a percentage of the overall lets in the year and show the lets we aim to give to each group.

When a property becomes available for re-let, we will first of all check if it is suitable for someone with mobility needs. This is to ensure that we make best use of our purpose built, adapted and level access properties.

Our staff aim to give applicants realistic advice about the likelihood of being re-housed based on the choices they have made. We also provide information on opportunities to find housing with other local providers.

If you are homeless, or are about to become homeless, are a refugee, or you and your children are experiencing violence or abuse from a member of your household, you should also contact Renfrewshire Council for housing advice at:

Housing Advice and Homeless Services, 15 Abercorn Street, Paisley PA3 4AA

During office hours telephone: 0300 300 0222

Out of hours telephone: 0800 121 4466

Neighbour Problems

The Association expects that residents can live alongside each other in a peaceful manner, without nuisance or annoyance from neighbours. Your tenancy agreement states that you, those living with you, and your visitors, must not harass or act in an antisocial manner towards any person in the neighbourhood.

There may be occasions, however, when you have a disagreement with your neighbour. Noisy late night parties, loud music or household appliances being used at night can be annoying. If a problem arises, it is usually best to try and sort it out yourself by having a quiet word with the neighbour concerned. You may not find it easy, but if you stay calm, and remain polite, the chances are you will get a sympathetic hearing. However, if this approach fails, or you believe it would be pointless to try, you should contact your Housing Officer.

You can also report and find more information about Renfrewshire Wardens, Mediation, Youth Officers, Animal Wardens and Noise Team on Renfrewshire Council’s website https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2122/Antisocial-behaviour. Of course if need be, you can also report Anti-Social Behaviour of a more serious nature to the Police (phone 999 for an emergency, 101 for non emergencies).

The nature and seriousness of the problem will determine how your complaint is dealt with. We will try to keep you advised at all stages as we progress your complaint.

In some instances, it may be necessary to involve Renfrewshire Council’s Mediation Team or their Anti-social Investigations Team (ASIST).

The Association will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or harassment against residents, visitors, our employees, members of our Board, agents and contractors and those in your house. If, after investigation, either party involved in a dispute is found to be in breach of their tenancy conditions, the Association may take legal action, which could lead to an Order for Recovery of Possession or an Anti-social Behaviour Order being pursued.

The Association will also take steps to remove any graffiti, which is of a racist, sexual or religious nature, from any of the Association’s premises.

Click here to download our Neighbourhood disputes and anti social behaviour policy