Changes to the resident selection process during spring 2025
Changes to the resident selection process
Housing application category model to be implemented in spring 2025
We are improving the resident selection process to better implement guidelines related to resident selection of state-supported housing construction. In practice, this means that in future resident selections, we will more closely consider the applicant's reason for housing need, wealth, and income. Based on need assessment, applicants with the most urgent housing needs will be given priority. Examples of urgency criteria can be found on the second page of this notice.
Impact of the change on application and housing offer processes
The reform will affect both housing application and housing offer order. With this change, the old point system will be largely eliminated. Applicants can now have only one application per application type (applying alone, applying with another person). However, the application can be updated, and unlike before, new housing options can be added by creating a new application of the same type.
Applications will be placed into urgency categories (Urgent Housing Need, General Housing Need) based on the information provided in the application. Applicants with an urgent housing need are expected to apply for multiple different housing options and provide additional information and attachments to clarify their housing need. If LOAS does not receive sufficient information to assess the need, we will request additional clarification from the applicant. After processing, the applicant will be able to see their application's category in the Intra system.
The old hourglass icon indicating application placement will be completely removed with this change. Instead, applicants will see new information in Intra, which we hope will provide a more realistic understanding of when a housing offer might be received. The new information includes the number of applications for selected housing and the number of rental contracts signed for selected housing over the past 12 months. Applicants will now have access to essentially the same housing turnover information as LOAS.
In the new model, the impact of offers on applications will be simplified, and the return of applications to specific properties will be eliminated. After receiving an offer, the applicant can continue seeking housing by updating the old application or submitting a new one.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
Existing applications will automatically transfer to the new category model during the change. After the transfer, the applicant will see the category to which their application has been assigned in the Intra system. If an applicant currently has multiple active applications, all applications will transfer as they are to the new category model. If the applicant submits a new application after the change, the old applications of the same type will be removed from the system.
Housing Need Categories in the New Model
Category 1: Urgent Housing Need
- Applicant is homeless
- Applicant is moving to a location where they have received a study placement
- Applicant is required by official decision to move from their current housing through no fault of their own
- Applicant lives in extremely cramped conditions (over 2 people per room)
- Applicant has been given notice to vacate their current housing
- Applicant's permanent illness or disability requires more suitable housing, as confirmed by a medical certificate
Category 2: General Housing Need
- Applicant's housing costs are too high in relation to income and assets
- Applicant's commute to school is long and difficult
- Applicant is planning to start a family and lacks shared housing
- Applicant's current housing is unsatisfactory for other reasons
We will provide more information about the implementation timing and potential Intra system downtime during March. The website will also be updated during March. Our goal is to introduce the new application category model to the Intra system by the end of March.
Best regards, LOAS