Landlords offered incentives to house vulnerable tenants
The NRLA is backing a new local authority scheme to help house vulnerable people or those with additional needs within the private rented sector.
The project will help young people, young parents, the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, as well as vulnerable adults and those with mental health problems move from Supported Accommodation into a rented home of their own.
Local authorities in East Sussex are working with Supported Accommodation providers to offer Tenancy Sustainment courses to help these tenants learn the skills needed to live an independent life. Moving forward they will be offering landlords incentives to get on board.
The local authority is currently supporting 236 individuals by providing comprehensive tenancy skills training – as approved by the NRLA.
Support package
This training ensures all residents fully understand tenants’ responsibilities, money management, different types of tenancies, managing a tenancy and budgeting for a planned move. During this time they are also helped to access training, education and employment opportunities.
Once they have completed their training they can access homes in both the social and private rented sector and will be given six months of resettlement support by their existing keyworker.
Cid Singh, move-on coordinator from the Supported Accommodation & Refuges Virtual Team at Hastings Borough Councils said: “Within East Sussex, 65% of the rental market, is supplied by private landlords and therefore it is essential for pathways from statutory provision, into PRS are initiated and working partnerships formed.
“This will enable those that are in need support accommodation being able to access it quicker and receive the wrap around support they need.
“We are looking to initiate, establish and maintain good working partnerships with landlords across the region to create a pathway for residents from supported accommodation directly into tenancies in the private rented sector.”
The council is currently finalising the details of the financial incentives it will be offering and is working with stakeholders from the DWP, council tax office and other support agencies to help ensure tenants are given the ongoing support they need.
More information
In partnership with the NRLA the local authorities will be holding online forum on February 23rd between 10.30am-12.30pm for landlords who want to find out more about the scheme. To register click here.
East Sussex County Council has also produced a Tenancy Sustainment Guide for tenants, evidencing best practice from all the scheme providers, approved by the NRLA, which can be downloaded below:
Guide to tenancy sustainment by East Sussex County Council
