The purpose of the scheme is to transfer responsibility for housing SWA Rent supplement recipients who are deemed to have a long term housing need to local authorities. Administered by local authorities, the scheme is intended to provided and additional source of good quality rented accommodation for eligible persons.
This Council has adopted the approach of integrating all RAS activity within mainstream housing functions and the co-ordination of efforts to obtain new supply across RAS, leasing, Part V and acquisition programmes.
Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SLI)
The Government has allocated funding for local authorities and approved housing bodies to lease or rent residential properties from private owners. These properties will be used to provide accommodation to people who are currently unable to source suitable properties from their own resources. Local authorities and approved housing bodies are available to discuss proposals with owners of all types of properties who are interested in making properties available. Properties must be of good quality and can be new or previously occupied. Each local authority and approved housing body will also assess the suitability of properties proposed with reference to the housing needs that have been identified for that area and its overall compliance with planning and building control. In return, the local authority or approved housing body will enter into a legal arrangement with the owner for the use of the property for an agreed term and guarantee rent payments for the term.
Arrangements
There are two options for property owners who are considering making their properties available to a local authority or approved housing body:
- Long-term lease arrangements (10-20 years) (Lease agreements will cease from the end of 2021 - This does not affect existing lease agreements already entered into).
- Shorter-term rental arrangements (typically 1-10 years)
Summary of leasing and rental options
| Long-Term Leasing Arrangement | Shorter-Term Rental Arrangement | |
|
Term Arrangement
|
10-20 years |
Typically, one to ten years but can be for the duration of the existing tenancy only. |
|
Rent
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Internal Maintenance |
Local Authority’s/Approved Housing Body’s Responsibility |
Property Owner’s Responsibility |
|
Structural Maintenance |
Property Owner’s Responsibility |
Property Owner’s Responsibility |
|
Tenant Management |
Local Authority’s/Approved Housing Body’s Responsibility |
Property Owner’s Responsibility landlord/tenant relationship exists between property owner and tenant |
|
Furnishings |
Required |
Required |
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Cost Savings |
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|
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End of Term |
Local Authority/Approved Housing Body returns property in good repair order and condition, save for fair wear and tear. |
Property Owner retains ongoing maintenance responsibility for the property as normal. |
