• What is private leasing ?
• What could the scheme offer me ?
• How do I apply ?
• The lease conditions.
• How long will it take to set up the agreement ?
• Further Information

What is private leasing ?

The Private Leasing Scheme enables the Council to lease properties from private landlords. The properties are used to provide temporary housing for families who are threatened with homelessness.

What could the scheme offer me ?

If you have a property in the South Hams which you would like to let, the Council's Private Leasing Scheme would provide the following benefits:-

• a. Guaranteed monthly rent for a period of at least 12 months;
• b. Guaranteed full maintenance of all internal decoration and minor repairs;
• c. No legal costs;
• d. Management responsibilities to be carried out by the Council;
• e. Vacant possession of the property after the initial 12 month lease has expired.

How do I apply ?

1. Contact the Housing Resources Officer on 01803 861234.
2. The Housing Resources Officer will arrange a mutually convenient appointment with you and the Estates Valuer, to view the property and to assess and agree the rent.
3. Once a mutually acceptable rent has been agreed, the Housing Resources Officer will write to you to confirm that the Council wishes to lease our property.
4. The Estates Valuer will contact you to arrange for a full inventory and schedule of condition to be carried out.
5. You will be sent a copy of the proposed lease by the Council's Legal Section.
6. Once you have agreed the terms of the lease and schedule of condition and inventory, start date can be arranged with the Housing Resources Officer.
7. You will receive the first month's rent on the commencement date of lease.

The lease conditions.

• The condition of the property should be in good decorative and structural repair.
• The property should be insured by the owner for its full replacement value.
• The terms of the lease are let for the use of temporary housing accommodation as in paragraph 6 of the First Schedule of the Housing Act 1985.
• The period of the lease should be for at least 12 months. After which each party would be able to give 3 months notice.
• All third party representatives (building societies etc.,) should be consulted before the lease can be agreed.
• The rent will be assessed at market value by the Council's Estates Valuer.

How long will it take to set up the agreement ?

From your initial telephone call to the Housing Resources Officer to a start date agreed, will take approximately 4-8 weeks.

Further Information

Further details about the private lease scheme can be obtained from the:

Housing Advice Office,
South Hams District Council,
Follaton House,
Plymouth Road,
Totnes,
TQ9 5NE.

Telephone: 01803 861234