Many people who come to us for housing advice are looking for a new home in the private sector. We operate a scheme to help people into Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST) with Leeds landlords and we could put them in touch with you.
At no cost to you, we are able to provide a service where our officers will tell customers which suitably sized properties are available and in which areas. If the customer wishes to view your property, an officer will contact you to arrange this. If both you and the customer wish to go ahead and arrange an AST, then we will complete a Housing Benefit application with the customer, and deliver this to Leeds Benefits Service for processing. We will request that payment of Housing Benefit is made directly to the landlord.
How can I benefit?
- Many of our customers are looking for sustainable, long term tenancies
- Officers at our Housing Options Service and other accommodation providers receive notice of available properties and can advise customers about them
- A damage liability scheme in lieu of you taking a bond can cover up to the equivalent of four weeks’ rent. This cover will be provided for the first six months of the tenancy only
- Officers will confirm that we have completed a claim for Housing Benefit with the customer where applicable and that the customer has provided proof of income and identification
- Officers will request that any Housing Benefit is paid directly to the landlord
How does the private sector letting scheme work?
If you have a property you are interested in letting through the scheme, please contact us. Officers inspect every property before accepting it onto the scheme, and will make an arrangement with you to meet you at your property. The officers will provide you with a list of work (if any) which would be required in order for the property to be accepted onto the scheme.
Under the scheme, you will still have full management of the property, so we want you to find a tenant you will be happy with. We do not guarantee rents or pay for periods when the property is empty and cannot guarantee that the property will be let through the scheme. However, there is a significant demand for housing so there is customer interest in most property types in most areas of Leeds.
We don’t ask you to keep the property free for our customers – you can look for a tenant elsewhere.
If one of our customers is interested in your property, an officer will contact you to arrange a convenient time for the property to be viewed.
What sort of properties are we looking for?
Our customers are looking for all sizes and types of accommodation in all areas across the city.
What condition does my property have to be in?
The property must meet certain criteria before we arrange any viewings. If you are new to the scheme we will discuss them when you contact us. We will arrange to inspect your property and advise you of any work which would be required for the property to be accepted onto the scheme.
What if I think the tenant isn’t quite right for my property?
If you are not satisfied with the potential tenant then you do not have to accept them. The creation of an AST is on the basis that both you as the landlord and the prospective tenant are satisfied with the arrangement.
What happens if I want possession of my property?
The process is the same as for any other Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
What do I do next?
If you would like to discuss letting a property through the Private Sector Letting Scheme, please contact: 0113 3950486
What do I do next?
If you would like to discuss letting a property through the Private Sector Letting Scheme, please contact: 0113 3950486
Ant Hodgkinson,
0113 2477000
antony.hodgkinson@leeds.gov.uk
Phil Windle,
0113 3950509
philip.windle@leeds.gov.uk