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).
The scheme currently places over 250 tenants per year and our experienced lettings professionals can assist with most tenancy enquiries.
What services can Let-Start provide?
Let-Start aims to provide a comprehensive lettings service that includes tenant screening and referral, property improvement grants, landlord training and follow-up tenancy support. Landlords may also be eligible for an additional incentive payment.
We offer:
a FREE tenant finder service – no commission to pay
a valuation and inventory service
advice and ongoing support with tenancy
landlord training, accreditation and news updates
And either:
A one month cash deposit paid direct to landlord + £150 cash incentive payment
Or:
A one month bond guarantee held by Hounslow + £500 cash incentive payment
Let-Start options
Deposit or bond? | Cash incentive | Deposit protection needed? |
|---|---|---|
1 month cash deposit | £150 | Yes |
1 month bond guarantee | £500 | No |
A bond guarantee is commitment to reimburse against damage or unpaid rent up to an agreed liability. If landlords choose to accept a cash deposit they will be responsible for protecting under their chosen scheme.
Grant assistance
There are several grants that are specifically targeted to assist landlords who rent through the Let-Start scheme. If a property is in need of improvement or renovation then we may be able to pay up to £3000 (or £15,000 if the property has been vacant for a period of time) against half the cost of works.
Example of Better Homes grant in practice
Cost of works | Amount of grant |
|---|---|
£2200 | £1100 |
£7000 | £3000 |
Examples of eligible works: Central heating, insulation, electrics, plumbing, double glazing, non-decent kitchens and bathrooms
Examples of ineligible works: Re-decoration, furnishings, extensions
Rent levels
We use a system called the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to assess the affordability of a property for the tenants we refer.
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. 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:
CORGI registered Gas Safety Certificate
Safe electrics
Smoke alarm – one per storey
Carpet or floorboards
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.
Payments
Housing benefit rental payments are set up four weekly in arrears to go direct to your tenant. It is your tenant’s responsibility to pay the full contractual rent every month. As a safeguard if your tenant falls eight weeks into arrears then payments can be transferred direct to landlord.
Contact us
Direct Lets
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Tel: 0208 583 3869
Email: landlords@hounslow.gov.uk
