Denzel

Hi Reluctant Landlord,

I'm replying to both of your comments here.

Firstly, you're absolutely right—this service, like all others, depends on a willing tenant who seeks help. If either the tenant or landlord isn't interested in the assistance, there's unfortunately little we can do.

As for councils, much like with tenants and landlords, there are good eggs and bad eggs. Sometimes, even after presenting all the facts to a housing officer, it can feel like you're talking to a wall. In such cases, it's important to remind the council of its statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. If that doesn't work, every citizen has the right to escalate the matter to the Ombudsman, and if necessary, pursue a Judicial Review. There have been many instances where families have successfully challenged councils. This, however, requires the claimant to have a good understanding of homelessness case law and their rights under council obligations.

Regarding negotiations, yes, most situations will require the landlord to sign a new tenancy agreement. The council's involvement aims to preserve and sustain the tenancy. If a landlord were to evict the tenant after receiving financial support, it would defeat the purpose, as the family would still end up in costly temporary accommodation.

Typically, the new tenancy agreement is fixed-term, meaning no rent increases during that period. This is why it's crucial to ensure the initial rent is set correctly to cover potential increases in the following fixed-term period.

Lastly, yes, we are a for-profit company, earning a fee for each family we help prevent from becoming homeless.... Read More

Thank you so much Jonathan, I really appreciate your kind words.... Read More

Not true. Most landlords who have a bad experience in renting to tenants on Universal Credit will look to rent only to professional tenants. That will be one less home available for applicants on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and also a family now in temporary accommodation. As previously mentioned the cost of this is at-least £20K per year to the tax payer.
Lastly, this has nothing to do with immigration. To be eligible for homelessness support you must have the right paperwork in place, otherwise you will not receive a penny from a council. Most of the support we provide actually goes to British and European citizens (those who have a right to remain).... Read More

Hi Jill,

You're 100% right.... The advice and support we provide should be offered by councils. But for one reason or another housing officers are not providing the service they should be and as a result families are being needlessly made homeless.... Read More

Thank you Jason... Read More

You're not alone... Many other landlords are having to subsidise their tenants and those that can't are evicting these families.

There is support available to you - Eviction is not the only option.

Would be happy to have a futher chat to see how we can help your situation.... Read More

Thank you Jo... Read More

Because if the eviction is not prevented that family will end up in expensive hotel or bnb accommodation - all paid for by the council.

Have a read of the temporary accommodation crisis across England costing councils up to £2bn every year.

By preventing homelessness, we keep them in rented accommodation, avoiding expensive temporary accommodation saving the tax payer at-least £15-20K per year per family.... Read More

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We also operate outside of London and would be happy to have a conversation.... Read More

Increases have not been driven by what landlords want but moreso the mortgage rate crisis... Most landlords want their properties to remain affordable for their tenants... But due to the challenging climate are left with no choice but to increase the rent.

If the PRS loses landlords who are willing to rent to families on Universal Credit.... This means more more homeless families... If more families are made homeless you are looking at a bill of at-least £20K per year per family.... Read More

In this circumstance the landlord wanted another 24 month contract - so we were able to achieve that for him. However you can also get a 12 or 24 month contract.... Read More