Private Rented Scheme - guide for landlords

The following information provides details to questions frequently asked about the Private Rented Scheme (PRS).

What is the purpose of the Private Rented Scheme?

To use properties in the private sector to help house people who need homes.

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What are the benefits to me?

There are many benefits to landlords, including:

  • No fees or commission payable for this service.
  • Regular contact between the Council and both the Landlord and tenant to ensure the tenancy is running smoothly.
  • Assistance for tenants to claim any Housing Benefit they may be entitled to.
  • Housing Benefit rent payments paid direct to the landlord.
  • Free advice and assistance on the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
  • The provision of a bond removes the responsibility to protect a tenant's deposit.

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How does the scheme work?

The Council introduces landlords to prospective tenants. There is no obligation on the landlord to accept anyone nominated by the Council.

If a letting is agreed, the Council provides a bond of £1,500 in place of a cash deposit against damage or theft. Landlords may claim against the bond at the end of the tenancy. The bond is not a guarantee of rent payment.

There are certain things the bond does not cover and these include:

  • wear and tear
  • unpaid bills
  • personal debt to the landlord
  • items not identified on the agreed inventory
  • costs for cleaning after the tenancy has ended
  • damage or theft by persons other than the tenant and their household.

Tenants who qualify for Housing Benefit agree to have the rent paid by the Council direct to the landlord.

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What sort of property is suitable?

The Council is looking for properties which are available for letting for at least two years, although longer lets are preferable. Accommodation must be self-contained and in a good state of repair.

The Council expects landlords to let on the basis of an assured shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act 1996.

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Can a tenant claiming Housing Benefit be offered a property under this scheme?

Most of the households benefiting from this scheme will be entitled to Housing Benefit to help them meet the cost of paying their rent.

If a tenant is not entitled to maximum Housing Benefit, the shortfall between the full rent and the benefit entitlement must be met by the tenant. In some cases the tenant may be entitled to discretionary housing payments to cover those costs.

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Could a tenant contact me directly?

Yes. There is a high demand for Council and housing association accommodation and we actively encourage applicants from the Council's Housing Register to find accommodation in the private sector.

If you are approached in this way, please contact the Housing Enabling team on 01483 743836 as you still may be able to take advantage of some of the benefits of the Private Rented Scheme.

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What happens if I need to claim for damage or theft as a participant of the Private Rented Scheme?

If your tenant has been responsible for theft or damage, you can make a claim at the end of the tenancy by:

  • reporting any loss as a result of theft to the police
  • ensuring that any claim is made within 48 hours of the tenant vacating the property
  • allowing access to the accommodation for inspection
  • providing receipts for replacement items and/or estimate repairs.

The Council is not responsible for repairing damage caused by wear and tear.

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Can I claim for rent arrears?

At the end of a tenancy, up to one months rent arrears can be claimed from the bond.

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What happens if there are problems?

The Council will monitor the tenancy, visit the property and report to the landlord. We will mediate in any disputes between the landlord and the tenants and will advise the landlord about the law relating to tenancies and how to end them.

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What happens if I want possession of my property?

The Housing Act 1996 makes it easier for landlords to let and regain possession of their property.

All new tenancies in the private sector are assumed to be assured shorthold tenancies, unless agreed otherwise. An assured shorthold tenancy enables a landlord to recover a property more easily than other types of tenancy.

Landlords have a right to regain possession of their property at any time after a fixed term agreed with the tenant has come to an end (providing it is at least six months since the start of the original tenancy).

There is now a straight-forward procedure for getting possession without a court hearing.

If the landlord, the Council and the tenant are satisfied with the property then the tenancy can continue for as long as the property is available.

The tenancy agreement is between the landlord and the tenant and not the Council.

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What do I need to do next?

Complete the Private Rented Scheme application form or contact the Housing Enabling team who will then arrange to view your property. If it is suitable they will then arrange prospective tenants to view the property.

The Council is not able to provide references on behalf of tenants, but please remember that there is no obligation to accept anyone referred by the Council.

If you decide to let your property to a tenant, the Housing Enabling team will complete certain forms with you and the tenant(s). These include:

  • the assured shorthold tenancy agreement (available from Oyez Law Stationers on 01908 371111)
  • an inventory of fixtures and fittings in the property
  • a schedule of condition which details the state of repair of fixtures and fittings
  • the Private Rented Scheme forms.  

You will also be required to provide a current gas safety certificate at the start of the tenancy and annually from then on.

Once the paperwork has been completed, the tenancy can begin on a date agreed between you and your tenant.

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General advice for landlords

  • If your property is mortgaged you will need permission from your lender to let it. Some tenants may ask for proof that you have asked permission as without it, their tenancy may be invalid.
  • Make sure that you have adequate buildings and contents insurance and advise your insurer that you are letting your property.
  • Your property should be structurally sound with wiring, plumbing, heating and any appliances in good working order. These should be regularly serviced by an approved contractor.
  • Smoke alarms should also be fitted to each floor of the property.
  • The interior and exterior of your property should be kept in good decorative order and all furnishings in good condition.
  • Landlords need to arrange for the property to be thoroughly cleaned and gardens tidied before a new tenancy begins.
  • If the property is left empty for any length of time, during  the winter months, arrange for a plumber to drain the water system to help prevent possible damage caused by burst pipes.
  • Remove valuable or sentimental items from your property before the tenancy begins.
  • Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 means that all gas appliances in rented properties must be serviced and checked for safety annually by a CORGI registered installer. The installer will provide a CORGI Landlord Certificate after each check.
  • Furniture and Furnishings Fire (safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended) require landlords to ensure that all soft furnishings meet certain safety standards.

The Council's Private Rented Scheme cannot remove all the risks which landlords take in letting any property. However, the Council will endeavour to ensure that the tenancy is conducted satisfactorily and rent paid regularly.

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What other schemes are available?

The following schemes are also available:

  • Voluntary and church groups provide a deposit and support single people in rented bedsits and in shared houses.
  • Private Sector Leasing Scheme: the Council can offer a direct leasing service that will manage and maintain properties for a period of between 2 and 25 years. The Council will pay the landlord the rent yearly in advance, regardless of whether there are tenants in the property. Only properties in a good state of repair will be considered for this scheme.

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Contact us

If you would like more information about any of these schemes, please contact Housing Enabling team on 01483 743836 or email housingenabling@woking.gov.uk

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