An initiative set up earlier this year to help support private rented sector tenants and landlords has proved its worth according to the council behind the idea.
The scheme, which is titled Landlord Solutions, helps tenants who are threatened with possible homelessness or landlords considering serving an eviction notice.
The aim of the service - created by Nuneaton and Bedworth council - is to help both parties resolve issues at the earliest opportunity and help renters sustain their tenancy where possible.
Working in conjunction with what the council calls “partnership agencies” to provide additional support where needed, the service provides help and advice, and can also help people find alternative accommodation if required.
Since the start of the scheme 123 private tenants have been assisted with only 44 needing referrals to the council’s housing team due to unresolvable issues, and 15 landlords or agents are currently being assisted with tenancy issues.
Around £30,000 in bond and rent advance has been paid out to support 28 clients to secure rented accommodation through the project and in conjunction with the council housing team.
In addition 43 landlords or agents have been in touch about property options with some new leads being given to tenants.
The council has released testimonials from tenants who have used the service.
One says: “I just wanted to email to say how helpful the project has been. I was told what steps would be taken and what they were going to talk about with the landlord. I was also helped with finding a private rented property and finding the bond and deposit.”
Another says: “I’ve felt much more relaxed with the project helping me, nothing was too much trouble and they helped in every way they could so wanted to say a big thank you.”
And a third: "I contacted Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council as I was given a Section 21 notice from our landlord. I was passed on to a Landlord Solutions Officer who helped me to find a suitable property for me, my husband and two young children. They helped me with a bond and first month’s rent as we were struggling and would have ended up homeless.”
A council spokeswoman adds: “This is a wonderful new initiative which is already proving very valuable for residents and landlords. It is fantastic to see that we have already proved to be so helpful for people in need and I hope that the service will continue to flourish.”
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Hopefully landlords will get some support too and not just tenants as usual.
I rather think the landlords will get the following help:
1. None
2. Zero
3. Nothing
4. Zilch
5. Zippo
And probably a fine for breathing.
Hope it's a loan and not another tax payer funded gift!
However it sounds like an ill disguised bribe and many of these tenants may well struggle to pay the second month's rent but will be able to stay put for many months more rent free before they can be evicted.
It'll be one of those loans that are unlikely ever to be paid back, bit like those university loans.
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