Landlord Support

Lincolnshire Landlord Forum 

Lincolnshire Landlord Forum 4 October 2011

23 landlords attended the Landlord Forum at The Guildhall in Gainsborough on Tuesday 4 October.

Wesley Shelbourne from Just Lincolnshire explained the importance of Hate Crime, and how landlords can support tenants who are not comfortable reporting hate crimes to the Police. Third party reporting centres are available including Acis House in Gainsborough as an alternative to going into a police station. A hate crime victim, or someone who is aware that a hate crime has been committed, such as their landlord, can also call Stop Hate UK’s 24 hour helpline on 0800 138 1625. Stop Hate UK leaflets and wallet size information cards were distributed. Stocks of these are available from the housing team for any landlord who could not get to the meeting.

Rachael Cooper from West Lindsey’s Home Options Team presented initiatives which the council is developing to improve access to the Private Rented Sector. Landlords found the presentation useful, and gave feedback on how to improve and develop the deposit bond scheme and a good tenant passport scheme. 89% of the landlords who completed feedback forms said they would or may use the Floating Support service to help sustain a tenancy, 78% would or may accept a tenant on the bond scheme, and 100% would or may look for an accredited tenant. Landlords said that finding good reliable tenants who would care for their property and pay the rent on time is currently an important issue for them.

West Lindsey District Council’s housing team is now planning to arrange a workshop with a number of landlords in order to progress the development of the good tenant scheme and a process for referencing tenants which would work for both potential new landlords, and the landlord giving a reference.

Angela Matthews from the Benefits team explained changes which mean many tenants will receive lower amounts of housing benefit, and single claimants under 35 years old will only be able to rent a room, not a self contained property. However, landlords who agree to reduce the rent in line with the reduction in their tenant’s benefit, may apply for direct payment of Local Housing Allowance to secure or retain a tenancy.

Heidi Walton from LEAP told the landlords how her organisation successfully moves young people from supported accommodation into the private rented sector, using floating support.

Lynda Bowen introduced herself as the National Landlord Association representative for the district, and explained how the NLA can help to support landlords, which the forum found useful.

The slides from the landlord forum are attached on the downloads tab and a link to Stop Hate UK is available on the websites tab.

Deposit Guarantee Scheme

West Lindsey District Council operates a paper bond scheme, which guarantees to compensate landlords for any damage by the tenant, to a maximum of £500, during the first six months of the tenancy. Tenants are encouraged to save a cash deposit during the period of the bond. Please contact the Home Options Team on 01427 676676 for eligibility criteria and further details, and see the linked leaflet below.

East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme

West Lindsey District Council has signed up to The East Midlands Landlord Accreditation scheme (EMLAS). It is a new region-wide accreditation scheme that encourages and rewards good property standards and management practice in the private rented sector.

Any residential landlord in the region can join the scheme and enjoy not only the market advantage, but also briefing sessions on new legislation, resource materials and guidance, professional development courses and inclusion on the EMLAS property database.

How much does it cost?

Membership is currently FREE to all landlords and agents who apply before the end of March 2011. A membership lasts 3-years, which means that there will be no administration fee, no landlord charges and includes a free training course : Landlord Development Day.

How do I find out more?

A landlord information leaflet and the scheme manual containing the Code of Management is available from EMLAS.

•  Visit the EMLAS website on the link below
•  e-mail : emlas@derby.gov.uk
•  tel: 01332 258418

How do I apply?

You can apply online at the EMLAS website, or alternatively, you can download a copy of the application form below.

Landlord Associations

There are a number of organisations operating in the district that offer support to landlords. Please see the links below.

Landlord and Letting Show

West Lindsey District Council has received details of an independent exhibition for landlords in our region. Please see the flyer on the downloads tab for more information on the Landlord and Letting Show at Birmingham NEC on the 16 and 17 November 2011.