Council unveils its ‘Call us first’ website to help landlords and tenants

A new online resource to help keep private tenants in their homes and not be made homeless has been unveiled by a council.

The site, ‘Call us first’, has been introduced in Wolverhampton and replaces the council’s former ‘Rent with Confidence’ scheme.

The council says there’s an accessible interface with dedicated sections for landlords, agents and tenants with tailored guidance and information.

Work with PRS landlords

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for city housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “The realigned service will establish a more meaningful and Wolverhampton-centred approach, to working with private sector landlords, tenants and owner occupiers to improve properties and management practices.

“The new website provides the platform for us to achieve this vision and is part of our ongoing work to provide early intervention to prevent people becoming homeless.”

Early intervention aim

The website says: “The Call us first service is an inclusive, preventative and targeted approach providing support and early intervention to private tenants, landlords and owner occupiers to reduce the likelihood of homelessness, keeping people in their own homes.

“The Call us first service is a holistic new ‘Housing Advice’ service available to residents of Wolverhampton aimed at reducing the risk of homelessness and supporting access to better needs-led housing options.”

Points to relevant help

The site directs users to essential services, partners and stakeholders to help with.

It also has updates on legislation and news relevant to the private rented sector.

The platform will streamline referrals to the Call us first service, acting as a comprehensive hub for housing support.

Focused on inclusivity, prevention and early intervention, the service seeks to help residents remain in their homes and avoid homelessness.