You might think being a landlord sounds like a great way to earn a living, but it can be tougher than you imagine. Letting homes is not always easy – and finding the right tenants is often a challenge.

This is where Ealing Council can help busy landlords. It has come up with a hassle-free alternative to costly lettings agents: Its ‘direct let’ scheme, which pairs landlords with tenants looking for a home.

Not only is the scheme free, the council also offers landlords a one-off cash incentive equivalent to 12 weeks’ rent in advance, as well as an inspection of the property to help make sure it is fully compliant with all the changing rules and regulations.

HOW THE SCHEME WORKS

If the property fits the bill, the council will shortlist three potential tenants who are looking for a new home.

Increasingly, these are families that are in-work, reliable and just in need of good quality, affordable accommodation.

The council and the landlord mutually agree the rent the tenants will pay and the landlord chooses which tenants to go with.

It is a quick and easy process and all the landlord needs to do is sign up for a minimum of a year. In return, the council’s dedicated team helps with all the necessary forms, like housing benefit applications, and contributes £250 towards landlord insurance. It also provides advice on how to make property improvements and access grant funding.

Thomas Young, an Acton-based landlord, said: “I have let two households via the scheme so far, with a third one pending. It provides me with suitable tenants that are pleasant to deal with.”

IMPROVING THE RENTED SECTOR

Councillor Peter Mason, the council’s cabinet member for housing, planning and transformation, said: “We’re committed to continuing to improve Ealing’s private rented sector. Our direct let scheme does that by making it easier for landlords to provide safe, secure and affordable accommodation that meets the needs of a rapidly changing rental market.

“One of the biggest causes of homelessness in recent times has been private sector tenancies becoming unaffordable. However, this partnership with private landlords can help an increasing number of working families live in genuinely affordable homes that meet their needs.”

MORE INFORMATION

If you are a landlord and you are interested in finding out more, call 020 8825 8765/9876 or email landlords@ealing.gov.uk