Stadium - Building foundations for life

What is private sector leasing?

Private Sector Leasing schemes help to ease the homelessness position in boroughs where demand for local authority housing outstrips supply by providing temporary accommodation for people who are on the waiting list for permanent accommodation.  The local authority and the housing association agree terms of contract whereby the housing association acts as an agent for the local authority.

The housing association identifies a suitable property and pays rent directly to the landlord. The local authority guarantees a resident for that property.  Residents generally claim part or full housing benefit.  The housing benefit and residents rent is paid directly to the housing association.

Whilst the resident is living in the property, an offer of permanent accommodation may be made at any time during the lease.  In these cases, the association will inspect the property and carry out any necessary repairs and replaces any broken furniture.  A new incoming resident will be signed up on the usual Assured Short hold Tenancy Agreement.

When the property becomes vacant during the last six months of the lease, or in the six month extension period, the property will be handed back to the landlord and compensation for any damage will be agreed between the association and the landlord.  The association does not redecorate the property or repair or replace any damaged furniture.  If the landlord wishes to lease the property again, and if the borough requires properties of that size and in that location, then a new lease with a new rent will be issued to the landlord.  The landlord will then redecorate, refurnish and repair as directed by the association, provide new gas and electrical safety certificates, an energy performance certificate, proof of ownership and insurance as well as a central heating contract.

If at the end of the lease the resident is still living in the property and the landlord wishes to renew the lease, the association will offer a lease renewal, subject to the borough's current requirement

Property requirements and standards

We require properties that are located in the boroughs with which we have agreed a contract. Under the contract, the association inspects the property, the landlord carries out work to the property at his/her cost, and when the association confirms that the property is up to standard the local authority nominates a resident

Our requirements vary depending on the demand from Local Authorities

We currently require properties in Brent, Harrow, Hammersmith and Fulham and Haringey

Please contact us if you require further information on the areas we are acquiring

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of property are you looking for?

We are looking for houses and flats. We do not take flats if they are located over shops. We may not take flats in certain areas if the borough does not wish us to, for example, if an area is due to be redeveloped soon.

Which safety certificates do I need to supply?

You need to supply a CP12 for the gas installation and appliances (carried out by a CORGI registered gas engineer) and an NICEIC electrical certificate (carried out by an NICEIC registered engineer). Both certificates must be clear and show that no works are required. Certificates should be no older than 2 months at commencement of the lease agreement.

Will I need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate?

Since October 2008, whenever a building is rented out, it must have a certificate showing its energy efficiency grade by law.  An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years and provides 'A' to 'G ratings for the building with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least. A new tenant will not be able to move into the property unless it has an EPC.

What furniture do I need to supply?

This will depend on the borough and scheme.  The Property Acquisitions Officer will provide you with details when they inspect your property.

How will my rent be paid?

Rent is paid by BACS, which is a payment direct from our Bank Account to your Bank Account.

Which boroughs do you require properties in?

We require properties in Brent, Barnet, and Harrow. Hammersmith & Fulham and Haringey,

Will my lease be renewed at the end of the term?

If the borough still require properties for use as temporary accommodation at the end of your lease, and provided your property is still tenanted at the end of the lease, we will renew the lease, providing the property has no major defects.

When is my property handed back to me?

If you sign a three-year lease, you are actually signing a lease for between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half years. If, between two-and-a-half years and three years, the tenant moves out, the property will be handed back to you. If we have all documentation at the three-year point for your lease renewal, and the tenant is still living at the property, the lease will be renewed. If, after three years, we do not have your lease renewal documents and the tenant moves out, we will hand the property back to you.

What happens if the tenant damages my property?

The Association manage the property during the term of the lease and deal with any disrepair caused by our tenant. At the end of the lease, the property will be handed back to you, and compensation agreed between us for any damaged caused by our tenant. We do not redecorate or refurnish at the end of the lease.

Will I be able to inspect my property during the lease term?

You are entitled to visit your property twice in a year. However you will need to contact our Housing Management Department first giving the tenant 7 days prior notice of your intention to visit.  We will then contact the tenant to arrange access to the property.

Any queries, please contact the Acquisitions team on 0208 459 9214

or click here to send them an e-mail