Getting the best out of the private
sector
Vijay Jethwa, Homefinder Development Officer
Blaby District Council, Tel: 0116 2727770 Email: [email protected]
Rebecca Holcroft, Housing Options Manager
Blaby District Council, Tel: 0116 2727770 Email: [email protected]
Our Vision
‘To create sustainable communities by
promoting the provision of quality housing,
using a wide range of services and
partnerships, across all tenures, which is
safe, warm and affordable.’
Where we were………………….
• Only 4 councils with private rented scheme
• No joined up platform to engage and work with all
landlords across Leicestershire
• Good / Bad services experienced by landlords
• Difficult to identify properties for single people who are
on housing benefit
• Rough sleeping funding to provide IT for 3 years and 2
project development staff
• 8 partnering councils
• Launched in October 2013
Aims of the Project………………
• Increase access to the private rented sector
• Increase the availability of affordable private
rented properties
• Improve property standards in the private sector
• Improve management standards in the private
sector
Supported by ………………
Why use Homefinder?
Services we offer…………..……
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Free to advertise
Free training
Free landlords library
Free newsletter
Free landlord packs
Free landlord forums
Free case law updates
Free management tool (Homefinder)
Exclusive members area
Where we are...... ………………
• Over 350 agents / landlords registered
• 11,671 adverts placed since launch
(1262 LHA friendly)(463 rooms for single
people)
• On average 1200 properties advertised per
month
(97 LHA friendly)(65 rooms for single people)
• Safety Shaun Videos
• Homefinder.uk.com copied by 50 other councils
Where we are……………………
• Promote other projects looking to Identify and
engage with landlords
• Advertise properties for free
• Improve / increase the range of services for
landlords currently being offered
• Landlord & Local Authority working group set up
• Communication, Consultation & Involvement
Incentives we are developing….
• Rent in advance scheme
• Written Guarantee scheme
• Grants / Loans to improve property
standards
• Accreditation
• Other incentives being considered, free
gas safety, EPC certificates,
Advise we can offer……………..
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Advise on repairing obligations
Energy Efficiency Work
Housing Health & Rating System
Houses in Multiple Occupation
Advice on financial schemes that are
available to bring back empty homes into
use
11
Case Study
The Private Rented Sector :
Coming up Roses?
House Prices
DEMAND
SUPPLY
Legislative Change
The Economy
Local Authorities
Leicestershire County Council
Professional Bodies
Housing Associations
Landlords
Working together to provide
housing in Leicestershire
Questions