London council appeals for landlords to tackle housing crisis

A London council is calling on private landlords to join its enhanced landlord scheme to provide homes for residents facing homelessness or are living in temporary accommodation.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich says that by letting or leasing properties with it, landlords can help address the borough’s acute housing shortage.

The scheme connects individuals on the housing register with private landlords, reducing reliance on expensive temporary accommodations like hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.

Currently, fewer than 50 households in the borough are living in such arrangements, a number the council says it is determined to lower further.

Help tackle housing crisis

The council’s cabinet member for housing management, Councillor Pat Slattery, said: “We’re looking for more private sector landlords to help us tackle the housing crisis by renting or leasing their properties to us for people and families that really need a stable home.

“Like many London boroughs, the demand for housing far outweighs the supply we have, and this is also true for those households at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation.”

She added: “We want people to have access to a safe and secure home that meets their needs, so if you are a landlord with a property to rent or to lease, get in touch with us – we have attractive options and will work with you to provide the homes our residents really need.”

Guaranteed rental income

The scheme offers landlords a guaranteed rental income at the Local Housing Allowance rate, with no fees or commissions.

For properties needing upgrades, grants of up to £15,000 are available to ensure they meet required standards.

Also, the council provides training to help landlords grow their businesses.

For those opting to lease their properties, the council manages tenant sourcing, rent collection and tenancy oversight.

Leases come with monthly rent paid in advance, including void periods, with flexible terms ranging from two to five years, or longer agreements of 10 years or more.

There’s more information available on the council’s dedicated webpage.