Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions for prospective landlords:

Q: What happens when you receive my application form?

Q: What happens after you have submitted all your forms and survey?

Q: When should I contact the Private Sector Leasing Team?

Q: Do I require another visit before the property is leased?

Q: What happens when an officer from the PSL team visits?

Q: How long is the lease for?

Q: What condition will I get the property back in?

Q: What type of tenants will live in the property?

Q: What happens if the tenant damages the property?

Q: What happens if the neighbours complain about the tenants anti social behaviour? Am I responsible for the tenants' behaviour?

Q: Who is responsible for repairs while the property is being leased?

Q: Will I get my rent only when the property is occupied?

Q: Do I need a Solicitor when I am signing the lease?

Q: Can the rent be paid directly into a bank account and can it be paid to another person's account?

Q: Do I have to wait to the end of the lease to get my property back?

Q: Does the property need to be furnished?

Q: Who will be responsible for the bills for the property?

Q: What happens when you receive my application form?

A: An officer from PSL Team will contact you within 5 working days.

Q: What happens after you have submitted all your forms and survey?

A: You should receive a letter within 5 working days confirming any work that you will need to do and a list of documents you will need to provide

Q: When should I contact the Private Sector Leasing Team?

A: You should contact them as soon as you know when the work will be completed.

Q: Do I require another visit before the property is leased?

A: This depends on the type of works you were required to carry out.

Q: What happens when an officer from the PSL team visits?

A: A written and photographic inventory is taken for our records including a reading is taken from the utility supply meters and the location of all stop valves are identified. Arrangement to sign the lease will be made.

Q: How long is the lease for?

A: The lease is for a period of three years.

Q: What condition will I get the property back in?

A: The Council will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your property is returned to you in the condition it was leased apart from fair wear and tear.

Q: What type of tenants will live in the property?

A: The tenants will be people who have a full homelessness duty owed to them by the Council.

Q: What happens if the tenant damages the property?

A: The Council will put right any damages made by the tenant occupying the property up to the value of one months rent.

Q: What happens if the neighbours complain about the tenants anti social behaviour? Am I responsible for the tenants' behaviour?

A: The Council is responsible for the management of the property, which includes making sure, that tenants observe their conditions of tenancy.

Q: Who is responsible for repairs while the property is being leased?

A: The Council will notify you of the nature of the repair and determine who is responsible for the repair.

Q: Will I get my rent only when the property is occupied?

A: No, once you have leased your property to the Council you will receive payments each month for the term of the lease regardless of whether the property is occupied or not.

Q: Do I need a Solicitor when I am signing the lease?

A: It would be up to you to decide.

Q: Can the rent be paid directly into a bank account and can it be paid to another person's account?

A: The monthly fee will only be paid to the owner of the property as confirmed by the required land registry details.

Q: Do I have to wait to the end of the lease to get my property back?

A: No, after 24 months has elapsed on the lease the Landlord can give six months notice if they require their property back

Q: Does the property need to be furnished?

A: No, the Council takes the property completely unfurnished. All we require is floor coverings and net curtains. The Council does not require any white goods for the kitchen either. If any fitted items are left in the property it will be at the owners risk.

Q: Who will be responsible for the bills for the property?

A: The tenant will be responsible for paying: gas, electric, water, council tax and any personal bills. Any service charges will remain the responsibility of the landlord.