Innovative scheme to ease housing crisis (From Watford Observer)
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Less stress for landlords as properties are leased to council
8:00am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig, Features Writer
Landlords are being encouraged to lease their properties to the local authority as part of an innovative scheme aimed at easing the housing shortage in Hertsmere.
Hertsmere Borough Council has teamed up with property management company Genesis to unveil Hertsmere Homes, a private sector leasing scheme which provides accommodation for families in need of housing.
Landlords can sign up to Hertsmere Homes for three to five years and throughout that time, will receive a guaranteed income based on the local housing allowance.
As part of the service, the property is inspected by Genesis to ensure it meets Decent Homes standards, set by the Government, before tenants move in.
There are more than 1,800 people on the housing register in Hertsmere.
For a small number, threatened with homelessness, temporary accommodation has to be found outside the borough in neighbouring districts, such as Tottenham, Enfield or Edmonton.
Councillor Seamus Quilty, Conservative representative, said: "We are delighted this scheme has already attracted a lot of interest from landlords.
"In times of economic uncertainty, Hertsmere Homes provides financial security for landlords and relieves them of much of the stress of renting out a property.
"For local individuals or families who are struggling to find suitable accommodation, this scheme is a lifeline, and it means they have a greater chance of finding somewhere to live in the borough.
"This is just one initiative aimed at ensuring decent homes for all residents in Hertsmere."
To find out more about the scheme visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/housing/privatesector/RentingAHome.jsp, call 020 8207 2277 or email housing@hertsmere.gov.uk.
Comments(3)
G_Whiz
says...
2:10pm Tue 11 Sep 12
One minute our Councils want Mass immigration and lecture us on all the benefits - The next they say they can't cope, immigration, can't cope, immigration, can't cope - wish they would make their mind up!
garston tony
says...
8:31am Thu 13 Sep 12
The local housing allowance is determined by the average rent for whatever size property in the area i.e. if the average rent for a 1 bed is £100pw then the allowance is £100 a week and that is the amount the landlord will get.
Secondly the government have/are changing the rules to try and stop landlords fleecing tax payers and charging over the top rents when tenants are on housing benefit.
The pros are that the landlord gets guaranteed rent and people are housed off the waiting list. Cant really see a con to that to be honest, sounds like a good scheme.
Oh, and whilst the impression we get is that there are many people on benefits who are work shy etc. its not right to tarnish everyone with that brush
stuegs says...
10:29am Tue 11 Sep 12
So fantastic news, as a taxpayer, not only am i paying to house the lazy and workshy, im also lining the pockets of the already loaded landlords in the process.