Bail Out! Council’s desperate plea for help from pr...

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19 May 2023

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By Graham Norwood

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Bail Out! Council’s desperate plea for help from private landlords

A council is apply to private landlords to help it solve its housing crisis.

Peterborough council says it’s looking for family sized properties to support households which have become homeless and require temporary housing while suitable permanent accommodation is secured.

It says properties will be taken on lease for five years, with a rolling break clause should landlords need to exit the agreement early.

Rents will be paid monthly in advance, equal to the current Local Housing Allowance rates plus 10 per cent.

Rents will be reviewed annually in line with changes to the local housing allowance and the council will manage properties at no additional cost to the landlord.

The council will take responsibility for all repairs and statutory compliance and at the end of the contract the property will be returned “in a fit and rentable state”.

A council statement pledges: “By allowing us to rent your property, you’ll be guaranteed payment on your rental for as long as the time-period is contracted for.

Allowing the Council to rent your property is an avenue that many landlords don’t know about but is a safe and secure opportunity for you to gain consistent income without the potential stress.”

To be eligible all properties must have vacant possession and be of a good standard of repair and have a valid gas safety and electrical testing certificate.

All properties will require a valid Energy Performance Certificate rated 'E' or above, and landlords will be required to have buildings insurance to cover structural faults/repairs, flood, fire and other disasters.

The council adds: “If you have an empty property that requires works to bring it up to a lettable standard, we may be able to undertake the works required to bring them up to standard. Cost of works would be recovered through a reduced rent spread out over the lease term.”

A council spokesperson says: “We want to encourage as many private landlords to get in contact as possible, this will allow us to help more people that are in a tricky situation and need accommodation.

“We are looking for housing that covers the full breadth of the city, from two-bedroom homes to much larger properties. We understand that for many landlords, this may be seen as risky, but Peterborough council will take care of all matters and simply hand you the keys back at the end of your contract.”

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