BucksLet: our private rent scheme

The aim of the Private Rent Scheme is to help residents who are in housing need and on a low-income, access accommodation within the private sector. This will help prevent homelessness and provide safe, affordable accommodation to the residents of Buckinghamshire.

In order to qualify for this service landlords need to have met the following criteria:

• have up to date safety certifications, including EPC, gas safety certificates and electrical certificates
• the accommodation needs to be in a good state of repair and structural condition
• properties must offer tenants either the exclusive use of one room with shared facilities (known as a house in multiple occupation) or self contained properties of any size
• set a fair rent which falls within or close to the Local Housing Allowance rate, rates vary across Buckinghamshire

Landlords who work with us will benefit from:

• a deposit guarantee (normally 5 weeks rent) against losses, damage that exceeds fair wear and tear, except damage caused by a third party and rent arrears
• up to 2 month’s rent as an incentive payment (on top of the first month’s rent)
• a choice of potential tenants who are ready to move in, allowing you to fill vacant properties quickly and helping avoid rent voids
• affordability assessments completed for all potential tenants before they are introduced to you
• one month’s rent in advance payment to cover Universal Credit set up time for our residents who are in receipt of benefits
• Tenancy Sustainment, regular tenant support in the first year, tapering off after 12 months - any issues will be quickly identified to make sure that the tenancies are successful (this will include an early tenancy visit followed by a 3 month, 6 month and 9 month visit to the property)
• a dedicated support line to promptly respond to Landlord queries and support requests
• advice, support and information from the private rent officers for the duration of the tenancy
• tenancy admin including providing the tenancy agreement, inventory, and scheme rules
• access to information and invites to our Landlord Forum events

We work with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) which is the UK's largest membership organisation for private residential landlords.

We work with the NRLA to provide local landlord forums to give landlords the latest information on policy changes and any matters of interest and includes guest speakers. Landlords working with us are invited to attend, regardless of whether you are a member of the NRLA.

Whether you own a single property or multiple, if you're interested in discussing working with us contact us at [email protected].

We may make an offer of private rented housing to you if:

• you're receiving help from our homeless service
• you have circumstances that mean that you cannot remain in your current home, such as worsening medical issues

You will need to:

• provide various paperwork to us, for example bank statements and payslips
• work with us to complete all financial checks to make sure you can afford the let

We may need to do a credit check in some cases with your consent.

As a tenant of our private rent scheme, we will assist you by providing:

• an assessment by one of our officers to ensure the property is affordable long term for you and your family
• an assessment to make sure the property is suitable for your needs.
• support completing paperwork where needed
• an officer to come with you to viewings
• help setting up your Universal Credit payments, if required, to your new landlord and support with arranging other bills, if needed
• regular visits to you, including inspections, from a private rent officer to ensure a long term successful let

Your homelessness advisor will speak to you about the scheme.

However, if you would like further information or to speak with one of our private rent officers contact [email protected].