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 12-month fixed-term tenancy at an affordable rent.
In addition to the incentive, we may pay:
- the deposit, to be held in an approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme
- the first month’s rent in advance
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
- 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 sector 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.
| Size of property | Incentive |
|---|---|
| Studio / room in house of multiple occupancy (HMO) | £925 |
| One-bed | £1,750 |
| 2-bed | £2,170 |
| 3-bed | £3,500 |
| 4-bed+ | £3,920 |
Which landlords qualify
The Landlord Incentive Scheme is open to all ‘fit and proper' landlords ( those with no unspent convictions for fraud, dishonesty, violence, supply, or misuse of illegal drugs, or have practiced any unlawful discrimination) who have properties that meet the following criteria.
Property criteria
Properties:
- are available for letting on a fixed-term 12-month contract
- are offered at an affordable rent
- are, or are about to become, vacant
- are not/were not, prior to being offered to the Council, occupied by a household subject to a no-fault eviction
- are free from any serious hazards - this will be assessed by a Private Sector Housing Service 'fit to let' inspection
- will be 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.
What landlords need to do next
If you are interested in renting your property through our Landlord Incentive Scheme, please email us at [email protected] or contact our Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Access Manager, Toby Wallace:
- by email [email protected]
- or telephone: 01604 526242
- or mobile 07775 552787
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 has been signed. The incentive will be paid once we have received the Deposit Protection Certificate.
If you let to one of our customers, you will be required to provide the following documents before we make payment:
- the assured shorthold tenancy agreement
- a Gas Safety Certificate
- an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - rated E or better
- the ‘How to rent: the checklist for renting in England’ booklet
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Portable Appliance Test Certificate (if applicable)
- Fire Risk Assessment (if applicable)
- a detailed inventory of the contents of the property
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]
Or contact our Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Access Manager, Toby Wallace:
- telephone: 01604 838545
- mobile: 07775 552787
- email: [email protected]
Last updated 04 November 2024