More homes neededfor council housing

Landlords with good quality private rented accommodation are being urged to contact Rother District Council.

The authority urgently needs more homes for its Social Lettings Service, originally the Landlord Link Scheme.

And prospective landlords are being reassured that people with a history of ant-social behaviour will not be considered as tenants.

The new scheme, being re-launched as the Rother Lettings Service, matches prospective tenants to private rented accommodation, as well as providing a rent account and general management service.

The council pays the occupier’s housing benefit direct to the landlord and dedicated staff visit the tenant on a regular basis to ensure the property is being well maintained.

Previous tenancy conduct and financial checks are carried out before accepting tenants on to the scheme. Anybody with a history of anti-social behaviour will not be accepted.

For added peace of mind for landlords, a bond is offered to cover any damage and repair.

Rother District Council member for housing Cllr Joy Hughes said: “This really is an excellent service that works for the benefit of all parties involved – residents, landlords and the council.

“We make it a low-risk option for landlords who want to receive a steady income stream. It also helps to ease the problem of finding suitable accommodation for people in Rother.

“Finding some extra properties would allow us to expand the scheme and continue to make a real difference.”

Rye Councillor Sam Souster said: “We desperately need more affordable houses in places like Rye.

If you are a landlord interested in joining or would just like to find out more please contact Kate Watson on 01424 787372 or take a look at our website: www.rotherlettings.org.uk.