Information for Landlords & Letting Agents

What is the scheme?

The PRAS scheme operates to prevent homelessness for applicants who are eligible and threatened with homelessness within 28 days. The council recognises that there are extremely high levels of housing need within the borough and the council is aware of the important role of the private sector in addressing this need.


The council can advance a deposit and rent in advance on behalf of an applicant. The deposit is a loan and is repaid to the council at £3 per week.

 

How does the scheme work?

  • The council will provide details of the scheme to people who are threatened with homelessness within 28 days
  • The prospective tenant approaches the landlord or letting agent to express an interest in a property
  • The council will be advised of the particulars of the property by the tenant and will arrange a meeting at the property, attended by a council officer, the prospective tenant and the landlord or letting agent. At this meeting the landlord needs to provide a completed inventory signed by himself and the tenant, current CORGI and NICEIC certificates (gas and electrical safety certificates) and proof of smoke detectors throughout the property. Photographs may also be taken if necessary.
  • At this meeting the loan agreement will be signed by all parties and the funds will be paid directly to the landlord or letting agent. A 12 month assured shorthold tenancy must be provided at this meeting
  • The landlord/letting agent and tenant will be given named contacts within the council who will be the first port of call for any problems that occur in relation to the maintenance of the tenancy and housing benefit claim
  • The tenant moves in
  • At the end of the tenancy the landlord/letting agent returns the deposit to the council

 

Frequently asked questions

How can I be sure that I will receive the deposit and advance rent?

If the applicant is eligible to receive both the deposit and advance rent, then a cheque for the full amount will be given either directly to yourself or to your letting agent when all the parties sign theloan agreement.

 

How quickly could the tenant move in?

A meeting is arranged with yourself or letting agent representative, the prospective tenant and the Council officer at the property, to complete the paperwork. This can be arranged within a week of receiving the initial property details.

 

What happens if the tenant causes damage or accrues rent arrears?

If the tenant causes damage to the property, the landlord may be able to retain some or all of the deposit. If a claim is made, it must be done within 28 days of the tenant vacating the property and must be made before any work is completed. Once the tenants have vacated the property, the landlord needs to provide the council with a copy of the final inspection which the landlord and tenant have both signed. If necessary a council officer will complete an inspection of the property with the original inventory. Estimates for the work will need to be provided with the copy of the final inspection.

 

If work has been completed before the final inspection, any claim will automatically be invalid.

The deposit will not be able to be retained for general wear and tear. If you wish to retain some or all of the deposit for rent arrears, you will be required to provide a detailed rent statement.

 

What happens if I want the tenant to leave?

As a landlord/letting agent you will be required to serve the correct notice to your tenant. This is usually two months written notice to quit, but can be less if you seek accelerated possession. Accelerated possession can only be sought in certain circumstances. The Council can provide information explaining the legal process, which is available on request.

 

I am worried about delays and problems with housing benefit(HB). How can the council help with this?

The Council will fast track the HB claims for those assisted via the scheme. The process will be monitored by the Prevention Officer who will ensure, as far as possible, that the applicant provides all the necessary documentation to allow the claim to be processed efficiently. The named contact in the HB department will also be involved in this.

 

Why should I consider renting my property to prospective tenants using this scheme?

  • market related rents are received
  • deposit can be held for damage and arrears
  • fast track HB payments available for applicants
  • named council contacts to help resolve issues promptly
  • we can provide standard legal documents i.e. assured shorthold tenancy agreement
  • we can fill vacancies quickly without charging letting agents fees