A Devon council is promoting a scheme to lease properties from private landlords to provide homes for those in need. 

In exchange private landlords are being offered a package of support and help including financial incentives, secure rental income and hassle-free letting.

Torridge council is keen to stress the benefits for property owners, which include:

– A competitive rental income paid monthly in advance and guaranteed for the duration of the lease – even if the property is empty;

– No letting agent or management fees, as the council finds a suitable tenant and manages the property;

– No liability for council tax or utilities even when the property is empty, as the Council will cover these costs; 

– No expense or hassle resulting from a tenant causing damage (accidental or otherwise), as the Council will arrange and pay for these repairs;

– A guarantee that the property will be returned to you in the same condition it was leased (excluding fair wear and tear);

– Guaranteed vacant possession at the end of the lease.

While all types of property are in demand, the council is particularly keen to hear about onebedroom or larger four to five bedroom family homes. 

But the council is looking to work with any landlord and any size of property.

As well as looking for landlords to lease properties from, the council is also keen to stress their other role in helping landlords across the district to find suitable tenants, paying the deposit and rent in advance to minimise any delay for a landlord in letting a property.