Landlord incentive scheme

One of the difficulties for many people trying to obtain accommodation is finding a home which is affordable.

For many families on low incomes or receiving Universal Credit, including those who are working, there is shortfall between the rents asked by landlords and the financial support they receive. 

The Landlord Incentive Scheme helps prevent people becoming homeless by providing incentives to landlords to offer a tenancy at an affordable rent.

In addition to a one-off financial incentive, we may pay:

• the deposit, to be held in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme 
• the first month’s rent in advance

Incentive payments are subject to the Council’s terms and conditions and eligibility criteria.

Benefits for landlords

The benefits are:

• an attractive, one-off financial incentive based on the size of the property (please see table below)
• the deposit and the first month’s rent in advance (Local authorities are excluded from the rent in advance prohibition in the Tenant Fees Act)
• a free health and safety inspection of the property will be carried out prior to letting by the Private Sector Housing team, with advice given where necessary
• where an applicant receives universal credit or housing benefit, we may be able to arrange direct payment to the landlord 

All prospective tenants will be assessed for their suitability for a private rented tenancy.

The obligations and the conduct expected from them during the tenancy will be fully explained. 

We carry out inspections, where necessary, and will support tenants to maximise their income.

Value of the incentive

The value of the incentive is related to the number of bedrooms in the property.

Which landlords qualify

The Landlord Incentive Scheme is open to all landlords who:

• are ‘fit and proper' (those with no unspent convictions for fraud, dishonesty, violence, supply, or misuse of illegal drugs, or have practiced any unlawful discrimination)
• have properties that meet the following criteria

Property criteria

Properties must meet all relevant statutory safety requirements before a tenancy commences and copies of the following documents will be required: 

• the latest Gas Safety Certificate
• an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - rated E or better
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Portable Appliance Test Certificate (if applicable)
• Fire Risk Assessment (if applicable)
• Deposit Protection Certificate 
• a detailed inventory of the contents of the property

Properties must also be:

• offered at an affordable rent (rents are assessed against local market rates and affordability for the household, rather than fixed rent levels)
• vacant or are about to become vacant
• free from any serious hazards - this will be assessed by a Private Sector Housing Service 'fit to let' inspection
• maintained in a habitable condition for the duration of the tenancy

We carry out checks and ask landlords to complete relevant paperwork to verify the points above.

We also undertake appropriate verification checks before approving a property, for example ownership, Land Registry, mortgage restrictions (where relevant) and any other due diligence required.

What landlords need to do next

Please email us at [email protected].

We will arrange a fit to let inspection, which will involve an inspection of the property to check for any category 1 hazards. Photos will be taken to evidence the condition of the property to protect all parties.

The deposit and first month’s rent in advance will be paid once the tenancy agreement has been signed. The incentive will be paid once we have received all of the relevant documents. 

Landlords are responsible for monitoring and inspecting the property regularly during the duration of the tenancy. We can support you with this.

How to contact us

If you would like more information about this scheme, please email [email protected].

Last updated 18 August 2026