Beware of Right to Buy advice from private companies

Tenants do not always receive good advice when they ask private companies and individuals for help in buying their council homes. You may be asked to pay a lot of money for things we will do for free. For example, right to buy application forms are available from us free.

Or you could be paid money as part of a deal under which the company ends up owning the property. Good for the company, which will charge a higher rent than the council could when it let the property but not always good for you. The money you get may not prevent you from becoming homeless.

If is often claimed that the right to buy scheme is going to be changed or ended. The Government has made it clear that it has no intention of making any further significant changes to the right to buy scheme.

Be suspicious if anyone tries to tell you otherwise. They may be trying to persuade you to do something that benefits them rather than you.

If you need help or advice on any aspect of the right to buy scheme, contact Rochdale Boroughwide Housing first. If you are approached by a person or company offering to help you buy your council home, check out what is in it for them and talk to one of our housing officers before signing any deal.

Advice on how the scheme works generally is available from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on

http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1151271

Additional information

A guide for leaseholders.

Your guide to buying your home - a guide for first time buyers.