1st
Nov 2024
A council is urging private landlords to lease their
properties as part of a campaign to reduce the number of empty homes.
The Carmarthenshire authority, on behalf of the Welsh Government, runs the Leasing Scheme Wales initiative. This scheme offers landlords and owners of vacant homes the chance to lease their properties to the council for periods ranging from five to 20 years.
Councillors state that property owners can enjoy numerous benefits, including guaranteed and regular income with no arrears or rental voids. The scheme offers flexible lease terms of up to 20 years, with the authority managing the property in its entirety. Additionally, the council will handle and pay for all maintenance. Owners may also receive funding to bring their properties up to agreed standards, with potential grants ranging from £5,000 to £25,000.
The council run lettings agency, Simple Lettings, will manage the leasing process without any management or administrative fees. As part of the council's "platinum package," property owners will benefit from a tenant finding service and guaranteed rental income, even during void periods.
The package allso includes coverage of all day-to-day repair and maintenance costs, a free landlord gas safety certificate, 24/7 central heating and plumbing cover, free electrical testing and inspection report, and a free EPC. Owners will also receive a digital inventory, a damage waiver guarantee, and will not need to be licensed with Rent Smart Wales.
A council spokesperson says: “There are many options available to owners of empty properties and our team of advisors are here to help identify the most appropriate support available, depending on the circumstances. The Empty Properties Team can also provide advice to owners of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on housing and safety standards, HMO management regulation and Rent Smart Wales.”
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