29th
Apr 2024
Shropshire Council like many other authorities is having to cope with ever increasing number of households desperately needing to find homes and is now calling on private landlords to contact them if they are able to house those in danger of ‘ending up on the streets’.
The council says the cost of living crisis alongside the recent Ukrainian hosting placements have caused a serious housing shortage, however it fails to admit that some of its policies have caused many landlords to quit the sector.
The council states that the housing shortage is causing many single homeless people being unable to find suitable rented ‘homes’ and end up being housed in Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
Across the county the council has around 100 people in B&B which is costing £5,125 per night adding up to a monthly total of £190,000 and an annual cost of £2.3 million.
The council says it needs to reduce temporary accommodation as much as is possible and is calling for PRS landlords to discuss whether they can help by offering tenancy agreements with those in need…and of course to cut the authorities housing bills.
The authority is willing to offer landlords cash incentives and a full support package for them and their tenants if they let out their properties to those facing homelessness, and to those who now wish to move on and become fully independent.
The council’s support package for landlords includes:-
· to arrange payments for deposits and rent in advance paid directly to the landlords;
· to support tenants and provide advice to make sure that tenancies are sustained;
· to provide specialist advice on law changes and tenancy matters;
· mediation service for landlords and tenants to resolve any issues;
· from the start of a tenancy landlords will be given a specific named point of contact in the council.
A council spokesperson says: “Facing homelessness is a worrying experience for anyone, so we’re appealing to private sector landlords so we can continue to offer vital housing support to those most vulnerable.
“We can offer support for landlords to help house households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Currently, all types of accommodation are needed.
“You could be an experienced landlord with a portfolio of properties and just looking for tenants, in which case, we can offer a tenant matching service where we will interview and assess all tenants before they approach you. Or you may be a first-time landlord, and benefit from extra support our team can give with setting up the tenancy and handling all the paperwork.
“If you are unsure if your property will be suitable, please contact us to discuss; and if you are a landlord who uses a letting agent and would like to help, please let us know and our team can speak to the agent directly.
“Homelessness can affect anyone. We work with people who have been in the military, worked in trades and many other occupations, have been evicted from their home through no fault of their own, or in some cases are fleeing from domestic abuse.
"While not every person we engage with accepts our support, the vast majority do, and we continue to work with a wide range of partners to help prevent people becoming homeless, and to support those who do to find their way back into accommodation and work.
“I’d encourage anyone who has a suitable and affordable vacant property who would be interested, to get in touch and speak to the team.”
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