A council says it is looking to work with more private landlords to help reduce homelessness.

Over recent years Shropshire council says it has seen an increase in households approaching the authority for housing assistance and as a result it is appealing for private landlords to make contact if they think they could offer a tenancy to those in need.

A statement from the council claims several reasons for the increase in numbers – with flooding, the cost-of-living crisis and more recently, Ukraine host placements ending, the demand for suitable alternative accommodation is higher than ever, it says.  

The council is keen to avoid the need to use temporary accommodation as much as possible and now says it wants to discuss options for more settled accommodation with private sector landlords.

Landlords will be offered cash incentives and extensive support for them and their tenants in exchange for letting to residents who are at risk of homelessness or who are ready to move on from homelessness services and live independently.

Support includes financial help to pay towards deposits and rent in advance which is paid to landlords directly; tenants support and advice to help ensure that tenancies are sustainable; specialist advice on tenancy matters and changes in the law; the council acting as mediator if disputes arise; and the provision of a named point of contact from the start who will work with landlords throughout the tenancy.

The council statement adds: “Landlords who can offer a six-month tenancy will also receive a thank you payment of £250.00.”

An authority spokesperson adds: “Facing homelessness is a worrying experience for anyone, so we’re appealing to private sector landlords so we can continue to offer vital housing support to those most vulnerable.

“We can offer support for Landlords to help house households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.  Currently all types of accommodation are needed.

“You could be an experienced Landlord with a portfolio of properties and just looking for tenants, in which case, we can offer a tenant matching service where we will interview and assess all tenants before they approach you.  Or you may be a first-time landlord and benefit from extra support our team can give with setting up the tenancy and handling all the paperwork.

“If you are unsure if your property will be suitable, please call us to discuss and if you are a landlord who uses a letting agent and would like to help, please let us know and our team can speak to the agent directly. I’d encourage anyone who has a suitable and affordable vacant property who would be interested, to get in touch and speak to the team.”

Interested landlords should e-mail [email protected] for details.