Getting the best out of the private sector

Getting the best out of the private sector Vijay Jethwa, Homefinder Development Officer Blaby District Council, Tel: 0116 2727770 Email: [email protected] gov. uk Rebecca Holcroft, Housing Options Manager Blaby District Council, Tel: 0116 2727770 Email: rebecca. [email protected] gov. uk

Our Vision ‘To create sustainable communities by promoting the provision of quality housing, using a wide range of services and partnerships, across all tenures, which is safe, warm and affordable. ’

Where we were…………………. • Only 4 councils with private rented scheme • No joined up platform to engage and work with all landlords across Leicestershire • Good / Bad services experienced by landlords • Difficult to identify properties for single people who are on housing benefit • Rough sleeping funding to provide IT for 3 years and 2 project development staff • 8 partnering councils • Launched in October 2013

Aims of the Project……………… • Increase access to the private rented sector • Increase the availability of affordable private rented properties • Improve property standards in the private sector • Improve management standards in the private sector

Supported by ………………

Why use Homefinder?

Services we offer…………. . …… • • • Free to advertise Free training Free landlords library Free newsletter Free landlord packs Free landlord forums Free case law updates Free management tool (Homefinder) Exclusive members area

Where we are. . . ……………… • Over 350 agents / landlords registered • 11, 671 adverts placed since launch (1262 LHA friendly)(463 rooms for single people) • On average 1200 properties advertised per month (97 LHA friendly)(65 rooms for single people) • Safety Shaun Videos • Homefinder. uk. com copied by 50 other councils

Where we are………… • Promote other projects looking to Identify and engage with landlords • Advertise properties for free • Improve / increase the range of services for landlords currently being offered • Landlord & Local Authority working group set up • Communication, Consultation & Involvement

Incentives we are developing…. • Rent in advance scheme • Written Guarantee scheme • Grants / Loans to improve property standards • Accreditation • Other incentives being considered, free gas safety, EPC certificates,

Advise we can offer……………. . • • • Advise on repairing obligations Energy Efficiency Work Housing Health & Rating System Houses in Multiple Occupation Advice on financial schemes that are available to bring back empty homes into use 11

Case Study

The Private Rented Sector : Coming up Roses?

House Prices

DEMAND SUPPLY

Legislative Change

The Economy

Local Authorities Leicestershire County Council Professional Bodies Housing Associations Landlords Working together to provide housing in Leicestershire

Questions