The Better Homes grant is a new grant targeted at assisting landlords who let their property using a local authority direct lettings service like the Hounslow Deposit Scheme.
It can also be used by landlords looking to bring a House in Multiple Occupancy up to standard when it will be let to vunerable households.
The types of work that can be funded include:
Thermal comfort – Insulation etc
Central heating system
General repairs to plumbing, drainage, electrics or fabric of the building
Kitchens older than 20 years
Bathrooms older than 30 years
Major health and safety hazards
The grant is being offered by a partnership of local authorities that include the London boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Grant criteria
A property will qualify for this grant where, firstly, it:
Fails the decent homes standard (see above for guidance), and
Is let or will be let to vulnerable households (e.g. households on benefit)
and either:
the property is already being used by the council through a managed lettings scheme that is coming to an end and the landlord has agreed it should be converted to an Assured Short-hold Tenancy (AST) with nomination rights of 2 or more years, or
the landlord agrees to participate in the Hounslow Deposit Scheme with nomination rights for 2 or more years, or
the property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) housing vulnerable households, and the landlord has, or is seeking a license or accreditation
Grant conditions
Landlords are expected match the amount of grant given to the property. Each unit will be entitled to a grant of up to £3,000 or half the cost of the works (whichever is less).
The property must remain let under the council’s direct letting scheme for two years. Should you stop renting your property through the scheme before the two years has elapsed, you may have to pay back part of the grant money
Managing agents can apply for the Better Homes grant on behalf of an owner; if the property owner has given authorised permission (we will require documentary proof of this).
Contact
For further information on the Better Homes grant, or to let your property please contact:
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Tel: 020 8583 3869
Email: landlords@hounslow.gov.uk