Renting with Brent
The Rent with Brent lettings service enables landlords to rent out their property to homeless families who are registered with us for housing. In return we offer landlords a range of different incentives like:
- payment of a cash incentive
- deposit guarantees
- one year assured short-hold tenancy agreements and market rents paid
- assistance in completing sign-up documentation
- renewals completed yearly
- free housing advice on tenancy issues
- free membership of Brent Landlords Group
- access to London Landlords Accreditation Scheme.
For more information on letting your property through us call 020 8937 2777. Further information about the Rent with Brent service:
- who will be the tenants?
- why should I let to housing benefit/allowance tenants?
- how much rent will I get?
- how is the rent paid?
- what type of contract is created?
- who manages the property?
- will the tenant pay a deposit?
- what type of properties do we require?
- safety laws
- landlord requirements
- a step by step guide to renting with Brent.
Who will be the tenants?
These will be people who are claiming housing benefit and are in need of accommodation due to low income and a lack of affordable housing.
Why should I let to tenants who receive housing benefit?
Tenants claiming housing benefit or the new housing allowance are less likely to move to alternative accommodation as they usually stay in the property for as long as it is available. This maximises the rental income by minimising the amount of time a property remains unoccupied.
How much rent will I get?
For new benefit claimants a local housing allowance figure will be set by the Rent Officer Service. This is a flat rate allowance towards the claimants rental costs based on the area where the tenant will live and the size of the tenant's family. This allows you to know the amount of rent being offered before you grant a tenancy.
How is the rent paid?
We, with the tenant's consent, can arrange to pay the rent directly into your bank account. We will assist you and the tenant to ensure that the housing benefit form is completed correctly and all the necessary documentation is submitted for an assessment to be carried out.
What type of contract is created?
The tenancy agreement created will be an assured short-hold tenancy between the landlord and tenant which will run for a minimum period of one year. We would not be in a position to assist you should you breach the tenancy agreement. If you decide not to renew the tenancy then you are obliged to follow legal procedures.
Who manages the property?
You manage your own property. Normal management responsibilities include dealing with repairs of the building, central heating, hot water installations, utility supplies and other facilities provided within the property, the collection of rent and other matters arising with the tenancy agreement.
You need to ensure that you can be easily contacted at all times to attend to such issues without delay. If you do not wish to manage the property or intend to be resident abroad then you must appoint a managing agent of your choice.
Will the tenant pay a deposit?
We may offer a written deposit guarantee of up to four weeks housing benefit entitlement.
This deposit is guaranteed for the duration of the tenancy. It covers negligent damage caused by the tenant which is unrecoverable while in occupation, excluding normal wear and tear.
Receipts are required for items replaced or repairs carried out on all claims. We must be informed before any repairs are carried out.
What type of properties do we require?
We need all sizes of accommodation in a good decorative and safe letting condition which are furnished. Our basic requirements are as follows:
- Living / Dining room - Three piece suite (settees, armchairs), coffee table, display/shelf unit, dining table and chairs
- Kitchen
Fridge freezer, cooker, washing machine, cupboards (wall, sink and base units), two double electric sockets above worktop and sufficient workspace - Double bedroom
Double bed, double wardrobe, chest of drawers, two bedside tables - Single bedroom
Single bed, single wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table - Exterior of property
Boundary fences should be in good condition, all grass areas, roofs, gutters and down pipes maintained, and any shed or garage included in the let must also be safe. All debris should be cleared before letting The above may vary according to the size of the property and family composition.
Landlord requirements
We will require the following:
- a residential address and land-line telephone number
- proof of ownership
- CORGI gas certificate
- electrical safety certificate issued by an approved trade association
- consent from mortgage lender or leaseholder to let
- legal documents - building insurance document
- landlords living abroad must appoint a managing agent
- stamp duty is payable on tenancy agreements.
Safety laws
The law on gas appliances
An appropriate registered gas installer must check all gas appliances in rented accommodation every year. An up to date gas safety certificate is compulsory requirement for landlords. Click on the following link to access further information on gas safety issues. www.gassaferegister.co.uk. It is the responsibility of the landlord or his agent to arrange for these checks to be carried out.
Both the landlord and tenant should receive a written report on the condition of each appliance. Landlords or their agents must keep records of the safety checks and issue a copy of them to new and existing tenants. We also strongly recommend to all landlords to install a carbon monoxide detector in their property.
The law on electrical appliances
order to ensure that the appliances comply with regulations it may be necessary to have them examined by a qualified electrician. A NICEIC registered electrician will carry out installation safety checks on items including earthing, bonding, wiring, cables, switches, and fuse boards, ensuring that supplies are safe.
Electrical equipment in rented accommodation must be correctly fused, wired and offer adequate protection against electric shock.
The law on furniture and furnishing
All upholstered furniture or soft furnishings should conform to the 1988 Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations. The regulations state that furniture not meeting the fire resistance requirements must be replaced with compliant furniture.
A label stating carelessness causes fire or fire resistant must be displayed.
Items covered by the regulations include furniture intended for private use in a dwelling, such as children's furniture, beds, headboards of beds, mattresses, sofa beds, futons and other convertibles, nursery furniture, garden furniture which is suitable for use in a dwelling, furniture in new caravans, scatter cushions and seat pads, pillows, loose and stretch covers for furniture.
Items that are not part of the regulations include sleeping bags, bedclothes (including duvets) loose covers for mattresses, pillowcases, curtains and carpets, furniture made before 1950, and the re-upholstery of furniture made before that date.
Smoke alarms
All properties let through us must have at least one smoke alarm on each floor.
A step by step guide to renting with Brent
- Call us as soon as the property is actually ready for letting. An inspection of the property will be carried out by the Lettings Co-ordinator in order to ensure that it is in good decorative and lettable condition. The Lettings Co-ordinator will advise you of any necessary repair works required.
- Once any work due on the property is carried out prospective tenants will be introduced to you from our waiting list for your approval. We will carry out an initial interview with the prospective tenant to assess their eligibility.
- The Lettings Co-ordinator will arrange all legal documentation, including the assured short-hold tenancy agreement, inventory, data protection and housing benefit form. The Lettings Co-ordinator will check and submit all relevant documents to the Housing Benefit services, so that they can carry out a prompt assessment and make payments directly to you. We will arrange for any agreed incentive to be paid within 28 days.
- At the end of the tenancy we will send out a renewal reminder or arrange the re-let of your property if required. Should you not wish to renew the tenancy then you will need to follow the normal legal procedures to end the tenancy agreement.