Resident Consultation: Lettings

Helping us shape our approach to lettings

We asked residents to share their views on our proposed lettings policy. The consultation launched on 4th June 2026 and closed on 4th July 2026. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond.

The policy will guide how we let and manage access to the homes we own in the future. It looks at how decisions are made about who homes are let to, how properties are advertised, and how we make sure our lettings approach is fair, clear and meets local housing needs.

We have reviewed the feedback we received and used it to help shape the next steps.

This page summarises what residents told us and what we are doing in response.

Why we asked for your views

We believe that any policy about lettings should be informed by the views of the people most affected. Your feedback helped us understand what residents value most and what information needs to be clear.

During the consultation, we asked for views on:

– What principles should guide decisions about letting homes
– What matters most to residents about how homes are allocated
– How we can ensure the process is fair, transparent and easy to understand
– How and when residents should be informed about lettings approaches and changes
– What support or reassurance applicants and residents would expect

Your views helped us check that the proposed policy is clear, fair and transparent.
What this means for you

Taking part in the consultation did not affect anyone’s current tenancy or the services they receive. Choosing whether or not to respond also had no impact on anyone’s housing situation.

Future lettings decisions will:

– Follow the agreed policy
– Comply with all legal requirements and relevant housing regulations
– Be applied consistently and transparently
– Be communicated clearly and in good time

Here's what you told us – and what we're doing in response

Residents told us they were concerned about the way allocations can affect small communities, particularly where there may be a concentration of households with complex needs.

We did:
- Introduced a Community Impact Framework to consider the wider effect of each letting
- Strengthened our use of local lettings plans to promote a balanced mix of households
- Places additional focus on smaller schemes, flats, and shares spaces where impact can be greater
Many long-term residents valued previous home visits and checks before tenancies were agreed.

We did:
- Strengthened pre-tenancy assessments, including better use of references and support information
- Increased collaboration with partner agencies to assess tenancy readiness
- Exploring proportionate ways to reintroduce pre-tenancy engagement (such as interviews where appropriate)
Some residents feel that those who respect their tenancy are disadvantaged compared to those who do not.

We did:
- Reinforced our approach to tenancy sustainability, ensuring applicants can manage and maintain their home
- Improved consistency in how we apply our lettings criteria and tenancy conditions
- Committed to clearer communication about how decisions are made
Residents told us the process isn’t always clear, leading to confusion and mistrust.

We did:
- Developing plain English guidance explaining:
  – How Devon Home Choice works
  – What additional checks we apply as a landlord
- Clarifying that meeting Devon Home Choice criteria does not automatically guarantee a tenancy
- Increasing opportunities for face-to-face engagement
Concerns about gardens, fencing, and general upkeep were raised.

We did:
- Feeding this into our estate management and asset teams
- Committing to clearer communication on planned improvements and investment decisions
- Ensuring estate standards support community pride and cohesion
We did:
- Strengthened the role of the Resident Engagement Panel (REP) in:
  – Reviewing local lettings plans
  – Monitoring allocation outcomes
  – Assessing community impact
We did:
- Introducing simpler, more accessible consultation materials
- Planning supported engagement options for residents who need additional help
- Improving how we communicate complex information
We did:
- Clarified that we must follow the law, including the Equality Act 2010
- Reinforced that allocations cannot discriminate based on nationality, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics
- Committed to explaining these legal responsibilities more clearly

What’s changing in the policy?

We are strengthening our Lettings Policy to:

Promote safe, balanced and sustainable communities
Ensure fair and transparent decision making
Improve confidence in how homes are allocated

A new policy commitment will include:

When allocating homes, we will consider how each letting affects the overall balance of the community and helps create a stable and sustainable neighbourhood.

Thank you

Your feedback has directly shaped these improvements. We will continue to listen, involve you, and share updates as changes are implemented.

If you would like to get more involved, speak to your Resident Engagement Panel or contact us directly.

Page last updated: 4th September 2026

Resident Consultation: Lettings

Helping us shape our approach to lettings

Why we asked for your views

What this means for you

Here's what you told us – and what we're doing in response

You said: ‘Please think about the impact on existing residents and community balance.’

You said: ‘It feels like vetting and checks aren’t as thorough as they used to be.’

You said: ‘It doesn’t feel fair – good tenants are overlooked.’

You said: ‘We don’t understand how Devon Home Choice works.’

You said: ‘Estate issues affect how people feel about where they live.’

You said: ‘Residents want a stronger voice in decisions.’

You said: ‘Some information is hard to understand or access’

You said: ‘Certain groups shouldn’t be housed in our communities.’

What’s changing in the policy?