Rushmoor Borough Council in Hampshire is encouraging more private sector landlords to offer properties for rent to local people who have lost their home.
The council says that many of the families the council works with are threatened with homelessness for a number of reasons, including relationship breakdown, overcrowding, the end of their tenancy with another private landlord, or because they are leaving the Army.
The council offers a free professional service to private landlords, which includes a special tenant finder service. This matches families to appropriate properties of all types and sizes and includes background information and a full financial assessment.
The council says it already has positive working relationships with landlords, property managers and letting agents in the private rented sector – and has now seconded an experienced housing officer with more than ten years' experience of working in Rushmoor with tenants and landlords, to work exclusively with them as a private tenancy officer.
The council says it is now stepping up its search for more private sector landlords, whether they are experienced or new to letting.
Other services the council offers include accompanied viewings for prospective tenants and support with tenancy paperwork, as well as an independently prepared inventory inspection report at the start and end of a tenancy.
There is also support for tenants through the council's bond deposit scheme, with help for tenants in maximising their budgets, including benefit advice, where appropriate.
The council also makes follow-up visits to new tenants at six weeks and as required, with intervention work, where appropriate, to guide and support tenants to successfully maintain their tenancy.
Rushmoor Council also offers advice and support to the landlord or agent on all aspects of tenancy management.
Rushmoor Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, Councillor Barbara Hurst, said:
“Like many local authorities, we have a real shortage of affordable private rented properties – and one of the private tenancy officer's main duties will be to recruit and retain current and new landlords to maximise the housing options available to local people.
“I would urge anyone who has been thinking of renting a property out to speak to us.
“Having a dedicated housing officer means we can help our housing clients explore all their housing options and strengthens communications with landlords and letting agents.”
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