Housing in Oldham

Oldham Housing Stategy 2009 - 2012

The 2009- 2012 Housing Strategy has been developed following consultation with a wide range of people and reflects the needs and demands of Oldham residents.

The strategy focuses on the key housing challenges facing Oldham and also highlights broad housing issues.

It reflects the themes addressed in the Regional Housing Strategy of-

Achieving the right quantity of housing.
Continuing to raise the quality of the existing housing stock.
Connecting people to an improved housing offer.

Set out under each themes are a number of key actions, supported by evidence from a range of data and consultation.

To view the strategy and action plan, please click on the following links

One Home, Oldham Housing Strategy 2009- 2012

One Home, Oldham Housing Strategy Action Plan 2009- 2012

First Choice Homes Oldham

Oldham Council owns 15,700 homes across the borough. Since April 2002, these properties have been managed by an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) called First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

Please click here to visit the First Choice Homes Oldham website

Renting a council home

If you would like to apply for a council home in Oldham contact your local housing office or download an application form.

If you are homeless or at threat of homelessness contact the Housing Options Centre

Private housing

Issues in relation to private housing are divided between two parts of the Council into 'people based' matters and 'property based' matters.

The Private Sector Housing division is the 'people based' section. Their aim is to improve privately rented properties to make sure they are healthy and safe places to live. They also carry out immigration inspections, issue Houses in Mulitiple Occupation (HMO) Licences and offer an accreditation scheme to landlords.

The Housing Implementation division is the 'property based' section. Their aim is to improve private housing within Oldham by offering financial assistance with home improvements, bringing empty homes back into use, and offering advice in relation to affordable housing. The team also deliver the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) initiative, and staff provide support and assistance to people who are affected by these proposals.

More Information.

Housing Market Renewal initiative

The Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder has been awarded £67.5 million for the current two years (2006-08) of a 15-year project. The Housing Market Renewal project aims to tackle some of the deep-rooted problems that face communities in Oldham and Rochdale. Its purpose is to bring about lasting change in order to improve people’s quality of life, and to drive up the prosperity of the area.

The project has already begun building new homes in Derker and Werneth/Freehold, and consultation is proceeding in other neighbourhoods.

For more information on the Housing Market Renewal Initiative in Oldham please click here to visit the Oldham and Rochdale Housing Market Renewal website

Housing Strategy

All strategic responsibilities for housing in Oldham have stayed with the council within the Adult and Community Services Directorate. This includes homelessness, housing support, strategy development and performance monitoring. The Housing Strategy team can be contacted on housingstrategy@oldham.gov.uk

Housing development and planning

For housing development and planning information see Planning and Building control

Other social landlords

There are other organisations, called Housing Associations or Registered Social Landlords that provide social rented properties in the borough. Some of these are members of an organisation called the Oldham Housing Investment Partnership. Details of how to contact these organisations will be added in the near future.

Application for inclusion on Oldham Council, Adult & Community Services, list of accredited housing providers

Applications are invited from bona fide organisations for inclusion on a council list of accredited housing providers who are interested in providing mortgage rescue schemes or buying empty properties to rent.

Accredited Housing Providers

Experiencing financial difficulty

Oldham Council is committed to supporting residents who are experiencing financial difficulties. Click here for details of the support available in Oldham.

Is your house too big?

Do you rent your home from First Choice Homes Oldham or a housing association?
If you are living in a large family house we could help you to move to smaller home that is easier to manage. We will support you with the move, taking care of removals and moving of domestic appliances like washing machines and cookers.
For more information see our booklet 'is your home too large' or call 0161 770 1114.

Tenant Services Authority

The Tenant Services Authority are the new regulator for affordable housing. Their goal is to raise the standard of services for tenants.
For more information please click here to visit the Tenant Services Authority website.

Housing Needs and Demands Study 2008

The Housing Needs and Demands Study 2008 is an analysis of the current and future need for social housing in Oldham. The study is a follow up to a previous study completed in 2004.

The study will provide important information for Oldham Council and Oldham Housing Partnership to develop more effective strategies to improve housing in Oldham.

For more information, please see the below documents

Updated JH/03/2009