Why private rented accommodation?
Acute shortage of social housing - demand for social housing has exceeded supply.
Increasing numbers on the Housing Register - there is a long waiting list to access social housing and those on Band D realistically may 'never' be able to obtain a council accommodation. Allocation is prioritised to those on Bands A & B who have the greatest housing need.
To give a better choice to households who want to live in a particular area where there are better gains in terms of schools and local amenities ie transport or hospitals etc or to vacant a current accommodation that is unsuitable due to unaffordabilty, overcrowding or in a state of disrepair.
To provide an option to families in temporary accommodation; A more settled, stable and sustainable accommodation through qualifying offers into a direct letting scheme.
To offer choice to those households who wish to live within a wider community of private residential housing rather than in a high rise tower block or estate.
Quality housing with a more realistic expectation of furnished accommodation or house with a garden which council accommodation may be unable to offer.
Assistance with deposit and rent to enable access to the private rented sector. Housing benefit will be able to assist you either in full or in part with your rent depending on income.
Advice, assistance and support from a dedicated frontline and support team consisting of:
Direct Lets Officers (DLO) including a Senior Direct Lets Officer who are highly experienced in providing housing advice and support to tenants wishing to access private rented accommodation. DLOs also offer specialist advice and support to both landlords, letting agents and tenants in all aspects of schemes on offer and in relation to housing benefit and tenancy related queries.
A Landlord Liaison Officer (LLO) who works in close partnership with landlords within and outside the borough in the acquisition of quality, affordable housing to meet the needs of our clients. The LLO also offers advice to landlords in all aspects of our direct lettings schemes in place, home improvement grants and Initiatives on offer to those landlords in our borough as well as organising training events and landlord forums.
I am interested in private renting - what do I need to do?
A risk assessment of your housing needs will be completed by the Prevention and Housing Options Team. This service is available from 8.45 am until 4pm, Mondays to Fridays with the exception of Wednesday morning
You will need to fill in the Hounslow Deposit/Bond Scheme Application form for eligibility to the scheme. The Prevention Officer will be able to advice you of this.
You will also need to have a basic bank account and advised to open up a separate rent account where possible. This is because from April 7th 2008 you will have the responsibility to make direct rental payments to your landlord or letting agent unless you are deemed vulnerable by the local Authority. Your Prevention Officer will be able to advise.
Your housing needs will be referred to the Direct Lets Team who will assess your household composition, requirements and areas of choice.
Once private rented accommodation has been identified the DLO will contact you and arrange a viewing of the property at a mutually convenient time with the landlord or letting agent. If you have been able to identify private rented accommodation yourself please contact your Prevention Officer who will then inform the DLO who will make the necessary arrangements for the property of your choice to be inspected.
Once a viewing has taken place and you are happy to accept the LLO will conduct an inspection of the property to ensure that it is fit for habitation and in an acceptable letting condition. A valid Gas Safety Certificate will have to be furnished by the landlord or letting Agent before you are allowed to move into the accommodation.
Once the property is found to be fit for purpose you will be required to sign a tenancy agreement with the landlord or letting agent and to fill in a Housing Benefit Claim form to ensure that your rent will be paid.
You will then move into the accommodation.
For further information on the matter please contact our HPU duty line on 020 8583 3842.
