Frequently Asked Questions

What does my factoring charge pay for?
Your factoring charge, sometimes called a management fee, covers the cost of the following:

• Full buildings insurance for your home
• Regular bi-monthly external inspections of your property
• Organising and instructing minor and major communal repairs
• Planning, arranging and overseeing a programme of planned maintenance of the common parts of the property
• Organising and providing other services including landscape maintenance and window and close cleaning
• Apportioning costs and administering accounts to owners and sharing owners on a regular basis.

Can I apply for a house with Ochil View?
Our housing list is open to anyone aged 16 years or over. If you want more information, visit the website pages that give information about our Allocations Policy. This explains how we allocate houses and how we decide who will be offered the available houses that we have.


How long will I have to wait for a house after I apply?
We really can't give a definite answer because it depends on so many different things. It depends on how many points you have, where you want to live and how many houses we have of the type you need. When you apply, we can discuss your options and how they might affect how long you wait.


What if I can't afford the rent?
If you are on a low income, or claiming benefits, you can get Housing Benefit to help you pay the rent. Our staff are trained to give general advice on Housing Benefit and we can refer you to agencies that can give you expert advice and assistance in making a claim. We don't take account of your income when we look at your housing application and we don't ask for a rent deposit like most private landlords.


What will you do if I have rent arrears?
If you are an Ochil View tenant, we will give you advice and assistance in dealing with any financial problems that you have. But we expect that paying your rent will always be your first financial priority. Tell us as soon as you have any problems in paying the rent. We can talk to you and offer help. Our Tenant's handbook gives more information


How can I pay the rent?
Most tenants choose to pay using their "Swipe Cards" at Paypoint, Payzone or the Post Office. We can give you a list of local places you can pay. Some people pay by standing order. We don't accept payments at the office.


When will I get a new kitchen / windows fitted?
Contact our Property Services Staff and you will be advised of any planned maintenance programme for the replacement of the item. If the nature of your enquiry is more urgent an inspection can be arranged.


What are my responsibilities for repairs to dividing or boundary fences?
OVHA do not repair dividing fences. Boundary fences however are maintained. Contact our Property Services Staff to arrange an inspection.


What do I do in the event of an emergency, out of office hours?
Gas emergencies call The McDougall Group on 0800 975 1234.
All other repair emergencies contact Mowlem Building Services on 0800 559 922.

How do I apply for a medical adaptation to my home?
You need to have an appointed Occupational Therapist, through social services, who will send us a Stage 3 application form. If you wish to fund the work yourself you should apply in writing to OVHA.


Can I carry out improvements and alterations to my home?
Yes, providing you apply in writing and are granted permission. Contact our Property Services Staff for advice.


Can you give me advice on DIY projects I am planning?
Yes. Please contact our Property Services Staff.


I have accidentally damaged a fixture or fitting in my home -
As with all incidents of accidental damage you will be recharged if we carry out the repair. Please check your home contents policy as the insurance company may organise the repair.

When things go wrong, you need to be sure that you're covered for any costs that might arise.


Who is responsible for my buildings insurance?
Ochil View has an insurance policy that covers the building you live in, paid as part of your rent, so you do not need to worry about taking out separate buildings insurance.


Does the buildings policy cover the contents of my home?
No. You will need to take out your own insurance to cover the contents of your home, such as your furniture, or your TV, for example.

We recommend that you consider the contents insurance scheme offered by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. SFHA Diamond Insurance is a simple, straightforward policy that is specially adapted for the needs of Housing Association tenants. Taking out SFHA Diamond Insurance could take away the headaches of finding the right insurance policy for you.

How do I find out more?
If you would like details of the SFHA Diamond Insurance Scheme, call 0845 601 6006, or if you require any further advice then please send an email to sfhadiamond@jltgroup.com.