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The colourful houses of Hanover in Brighton

Accommodation

Information for landlords

Private sector leasing scheme

How does the private sector leasing scheme work?

The new Private Sector Leasing Scheme is a joint initiative between Brighton
& Hove City Council and the University of Brighton. We take on privately
owned homes on long term leases, and use them to house local families in
need of accommodation and to provide accommodation options for students
in the city. The scheme is designed to help owners get a regular income from
their property, while helping the community by providing accommodation for
families and young people in full time study.

What are the benefits?
  • guaranteed rental income with flexible contract periods, for up to
    ten years
  • rent paid even if your property is empty
  • a full photographic inventory service at no expense to the owner
  • no expensive management fees or commission
  • student tenants sourced and vetted as part of the scheme
  • regular property inspections and reporting to owners
  • day to day maintenance service available
  • experienced staff on hand to deal with any problems – we manage the
    tenants as well as the property
  • no requirement to join a deposit protection scheme
  • guaranteed vacant possession at the end of the agreed term.

This new scheme brings additional benefits to owners and the community
with the introduction of a multi agency community liaison team that provides a
focal point of contact for the wider community.

The community liaison team includes a dedicated warranted Police Officer
assigned from Sussex Police, a Community Liaison Manager, a dedicated
Liaison Officer and an Environmental Health Officer.

The team have:

  • extensive experience at resolving complaints
  • professional relationships with local authorities and their internal
    departments
  • links with Environmental Health departments and Sussex Police
    county wide.

The community liaison team works with individuals, community groups,
residents associations and other appropriate external agencies with a view to
promoting and maintaining positive relationships between the students and
non student residents in areas where students live or campuses are sited.

Is there a cost?

There is no cost to the owner or landlord. Once a lease is agreed and signed,
rent payments are guaranteed to the landlord even if the property is vacant.

What we need from you?
  • self-contained properties of all sizes in all areas of our city
  • unfurnished properties or furnished properties that are clean, safe, secure
    and in reasonable state of decoration
  • properties that meet health and safety standards and have current gas
    and electrical safety certificates
  • an Energy Performance Certificate for your property.
Who is responsible for repairs?
  • we will carry out minor internal repairs and attend to accidental damage
    not normally covered by insurance
  • the property will be returned to you in good repair, accounting for fair
    wear and tear
  • you will be responsible for the structure of the building and external
    repairs
  • you will be required to provide evidence of adequate buildings insurance.
How do I apply?

After an initial consultation, a negotiator will visit your property and set a
competitive rental value based on size and location of the property as well as
local rent levels. When all documents required have been provided to us, a
contract will be drawn up including the term and agreed rent level. Once the
contract is signed you will start receiving rent within three weeks, even if the
property is vacant.

The council will then manage the property for the duration of the lease. All
tenant issues and minor internal repairs will be dealt with by us, leaving you
with no hassle or cost. At the end of the lease your property will be returned in
good condition.

Want to know more?

You can contact us at 01273 644100. Further information will be posted as the project progresses but if you would like to be kept up to date with opportunities that may be of interest please complete the form below:

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