Council tells landlords not to evict anti-social tenants or those with arrears

Council tells landlords not to evict anti-social tenants or those with arrears

9:44 AM, 26th January 2024, About 4 months ago 23

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A council has launched a campaign to prevent homelessness in its area – and it says tenants with arrears or who cause anti-social behaviour shouldn’t be evicted.

Torbay council is appealing to landlords and tenants to get in touch with them for assistance and advice if they face any difficulties with their tenancy.

The campaign aims to help tenants who may be at risk of losing their home due to rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or other issues.

The council says its housing officers can provide guidance on legal rights, benefits, budgeting and mediation with landlords.

‘We have seen a rise in homelessness and temporary accommodation’

The council’s cabinet member for adult and community services, Councillor Hayley Tranter, said: “We have seen a rise in homelessness and temporary accommodation in the past few weeks, and we want to prevent this as much as possible.

“Our message is clear: save the tenancy, don’t serve notice.”

She added: “Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, we are here to help you resolve any issues and maintain a stable and secure housing situation.”

Landlords who may have trouble finding or keeping tenants

The campaign will also support landlords who may have trouble finding or keeping tenants for their properties.

To help landlords, the council is highlighting its tenancy matching scheme that connects landlords with ‘tenancy ready’ renters who have passed affordability and suitability checks.

The scheme also provides deposit and rent in advance, ongoing support and a six-month review for each tenancy.

Private sector development officer can assist

Torbay also says that its private sector development officer can assist with various services, such as:

  • Tenancy rescue service: Advice for landlords and tenants, up to date information on legislation, links and partnerships with DWP, direct contact details via phone and email, and tenancy sustainment
  • Tenant ready service: Affordability and suitability assessments, previous landlord references, local housing allowance payments to landlords, budgeting advice, tenant and landlord guides, accompanied viewings, tenant matching, and one to one meetings with landlords, agents, and tenants.

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Comments

Darren Peters

10:39 AM, 27th January 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 26/01/2024 - 14:37
One of my bugbears - I got a letter from the council telling me to sort out my tenant's anti-social behaviour as it was my responsibility. They wouldn't identify the tenant or provide any details of the problem citing GDPR but maintained it was up to me and there would be consequences for me if I didn't do something.

They were actually a problem tenant - the police had been called to the flat a few times but the police also would not provide any information to me either.

No doubt I could have pushed back at the council at the cost of time, stress and money but decided to S21 and sell instead.

Lucy Ball

3:44 AM, 29th January 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Tom McGrath at 26/01/2024 - 12:38
Hi Tom, l am a landlord in Manchester and noted your comment regarding letting your properties to MCC. I have just started to lease to the same council but under the 5 Yr leasing scheme. The scheme does not cover repairs but l would like to whether it's worth considering this scheme for future properties.. Also what has your experience been working with MCC?
Kind regards
Louise

Tom McGrath

9:18 AM, 29th January 2024, About 4 months ago

Replying to Lucy Ball/Louise, my experiences with Manchester City Council have been very positive. My lettings manager works closely with the housing department and any problems are quickly sorted. The bond, of four months' rent, covers any damage or arrears, and when we have a vacancy, the council have a list of 15 potential tenants from which to choose. A tenancy is so difficult to obtain nowadays as landlords exit the PRS that tenants generally are grateful and behave well.

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