Private Sector Leasing service

A London Council is attempting to ease the demand on scarce social housing resources by putting its residents in touch with private landlords.

Harrow Council have established their own agency Help2Let  to put residents seeking accommodation in touch with approved private landlords who have met the councils set standards.

The tenant find service is paid for by the landlord who in return receive advice and also a 2 month rent guarantee bond.

This scheme is an example of the increasingly prevalent private sector leasing initiative where the public sector seeks to utilise the private sector to fill their accommodation capacity gap.

The experience of landlords of the schemes appears to be mixed.  Some like the certainty and convenience of a medium term let.  Whilst others appear to have had their property returned in less than ideal condition!  Any views...

Landlord insurance - peace of mind