Council pledges guaranteed rents to woo private landl...

Landlords are being invited to get involved in a scheme which a local council describes as “an attractive, risk-free financial offer.”

Cambridge city council is guaranteeing monthly rent payments to landlords for up to a year on one-bed and studio properties, which it would then allocate to vulnerable and homeless people.

The authority is looking for 20 studio and one-bed properties in Cambridge, or in nearby locations on public transport routes.

The properties will be occupied by people leaving accommodation provided at the start of the pandemic, or by people in supported accommodation and are ready to move on.

The offer to landlords includes “an extensive deposit bond” covering the landlord in the event of any damage to property.

There will also be a dedicated support worker for each person moving into the accommodation. Support may include help settling into the property, setting up bills, accessing local services and building positive relationships within the community.

Richard Johnson, Cambridge’s executive councillor for housing, says: “It’s great news that we have received this new funding from the government. In these uncertain times landlords with suitable properties could really benefit from having a guaranteed income so I would urge property owners to get in touch with us to discuss this scheme.”

The council already operates a so-called social lettings agency, THL, which offers landlords fee-free management service, guaranteed rents, and personalised support for both landlords and tenants.

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