A council claims that 70 private landlords have signed up to a long-tenancy guaranteed rent scheme.

Milton Keynes council launched its 100 per cent rent guarantee and cash incentive scheme last year. 

Landlords could receive up to £6,800 as a cash incentive and the council guarantees the rent if a tenant is unable to pay.

Now the council wants more landlords to join the scheme, by offering tenancies to families which were – in the words of a council statement – “previously made homeless by another landlord.”

Tenancies need to be for a minimum of six months to qualify for a cash incentive.  

The scheme also offers landlords the opportunity to receive benefit payments directly and, for a year, free accreditation to the National Residential Landlords Association.

In publicity for the scheme MK council quotes a landlord – who isn’t named – as saying: “The incentive is extremely helpful and having no fees involved is a huge factor for landlords. For me the experience was very smooth.”

A council spokesperson adds: “We want everyone in MK to live in a decent home where they don’t have to worry about when the landlord might come knocking on the door asking them to pack their things. 

“We’re working alongside landlords to ensure tenants get the best possible deal while ensuring we help these property owners at the same time. 

“It’s a really good deal for everyone involved and I’d encourage landlords to get in touch if they’re able to help.”