Renting through the Let-Start scheme - a guide for landlords and agents
There is currently a shortage of social housing (council-owned property). To prevent homelessness, we help tenants find private rented accommodation. The Let-Start scheme is a council-run tenant introduction service that aims to meet this need by helping both landlords and tenants with the lettings process.
We run the Let-Start scheme which provides accommodation to individuals and families with a housing need. This represents a diverse group of people including students; pensioners; young families and those with disabilities or special support needs. Our tenants will generally be on lower incomes and receive assistance with the rent via the Local Housing Allowance (housing benefit).
Background
The Let-Start scheme is run by the London Borough of Hounslow to provide accommodation to individuals and families with a housing need. This represents a diverse group of people including: students, pensioners, young families and those with disabilities or special support needs. Our tenants will generally be on lower incomes and receive assistance with the rent via the Local Housing Allowance (housing benefit).
The scheme has been running for a number of years and during that time has helped in introducing and placing hundreds of tenants. These placements have been supported by our experienced lettings professionals who can assist with most tenancy and landlord enquiries.
What services can Let-Start provide?
Let-Start aims to provide a comprehensive lettings service that includes tenant screening and referral, follow-up tenancy support and information regarding landlord training. Landlords may also be eligible for an additional incentive payment.
We offer:
a FREE tenant finder service – no commission to pay
a FREE inventory service
advice and ongoing support with tenancy
A 12 month bond guarantee held by the council to a maximum one month’s Local Housing Allowance
£250 cash incentive payment
Rent levels
The rent levels are based the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), which is reviewed monthly.
Through the LHA we are able to achieve competitive market level rents on a property. The LHA splits the London Borough of Hounslow into 3 broad rental areas.
The maximum we will be able to pay will depend on the number of bedrooms the property has and will be reviewed monthly. Speak to a member of our team for the latest advice. Once a price has been agreed this will be fixed for the term of the tenancy, up to a maximum of 52 weeks. Please note that Let-Start officers will not automatically agree to the top level LHA – this will be subject to condition and tenant affordability.
Requirements
We aim to be as flexible as possible with the requirements of the Let-Start scheme and whilst we prefer the properties to be furnished, we will also accept unfurnished properties.
As a minimum standard the property should have:
GAS SAFE safety certificate
NICEIC periodic inspection report, or electrical installation report, where a newly installed system is in place
Valid energy performance certificate with a SAP score exceeding 45
Smoke alarm – one per storey
Floor covering - carpets or laminated
Adequate ventilation, heating and lighting throughout property
Exterior of property to be secure and well maintained
Fridge/freezer, cooker, and ideally washing machine
The landlord is required to supply a tenancy agreement (contract) for the tenancy.
We will only consider a property with an overseas landlord if suitable management arrangements have been made and written confirmation of authority to act on behalf of the landlord is provided.
Payments
Under the Direct Payment scheme, where rent payments remain within the Local Housing Allowance levels, housing benefit payments are set up to be paid four weekly in arrears and these payments will go direct to the owner of the property or the managing agent if both parties agree. This took effect from April 2011 on new tenancies or certain renewals as long as the contractual monthly rent is within LHA rates. Although this gives Let-Start landlords security and peace of mind, if there is any rental shortfall it will remain your tenant’s responsibility to ensure the landlord receives the full contractual monthly rent.
Empty Property Grant - properties vacant for six months or more
The Empty Property Grant is specifically targeted to assist landlords of vacant property looking to bring them back into use. As well as providing funding and technical assistance with refurbishment works, we will be able to assist with subsequent lettings through the Private Sector Leasing (PSL) OR Let-Start scheme. We will provide a grant of up to £15,000 to the owner of properties that have been empty for more than six consecutive months.
The purpose of the grant is to contribute towards the costs of whatever repair works are necessary to bring the property up to the Decent Homes Standard.
The grant must be 50% match funded by the owner of the property so if £20,000 of works are necessary, we will provide a grant of £10,000, and the owner must contribute the remaining £10,000. If £40,000 of works are necessary, we will provide a maximum £15,000, and the owner will have to pay the remainder, £25,000.
All grants must be approved before commencement of works. Please contact our empty property officer on 020 8583 4657 for more information.
Contact us
Email: landlords@hounslow.gov.uk
Tel: 0208 583 3855
Direct Lets
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
