Private Rented Sector (PRS) Scheme

Redbridge Council is aiming to increase its work within the private rented sector in order to help the borough overcome the shortage of properties available to assist families with housing needs.

To ease the pressures on the London Borough of Redbridge, the council has set up a new PRS Scheme. The team comprises both procurement and tenancy sustainment. Our aim is to improve accessibility, lines of communication and quality of service offered to landlords.

The Lettings Negotiator will act as the first point of contact between tenants and landlords to ensure the following:

• Properties are let within a short period of time.
• Rents are paid on time.
• Properties are maintained to a good standard.
• All tenancies are monitored to minimize the risk of a breach.
• Named contact is available to address any tenancy related matter.

We understand that as a landlord, it is important your investment is protected and it is imperative that every reasonable effort is made from the outset ensuring the risk of a
tenancy failing is reduced. We have an experienced team of staff with an excellent working knowledge of housing benefit, legislation and tenancy law. They will provide a
comprehensive support service to both tenants and landlords.

There has never been a better time to work directly with Redbridge Council to let your property, and in doing so accessing the many benefits - currently on offer.

Why let your property through Redbridge Council’s PRS scheme?

We do not charge for our service, it is completely free!

Redbridge Council is committed to providing landlords with the highest quality of service. Our aim is to enhance both the user experience and quality of service offered to landlords. Through our dedicated team of experienced Lettings Negotiators, we will act as a first point of contact for landlords and tenants during the life of the tenancy and will be on hand to deal with all tenancy related queries. 

Usually, the Lettings Negotiators will be able to resolve most queries. However, in the event that additional information is required, we will liaise with all relevant persons,
including partner councils, to ensure matters are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Property Inspections

All properties will be inspected to ensure they meet property standards. During the inspection you will be advised on any health and safety issues, defects or repairs required
to ensure the property meets recommended standards. You will be provided with a written report detailing any works required before the property can be let.

Following the inspection, you will be advised on the documents you will need to proceed with the sign up. These will include:

• A valid gas safety certificate
• A valid electrical safety certificate
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Proof of ownership details

Tenants

The PRS is an attractive option for families in need of accommodation. Usually, a stumbling block for families is obtaining the deposit and advance rent to help secure a
property. As a result families usually approach their council to assist with finding suitable accommodation in the PRS. 

Redbridge Council provides a service to help landlords let their property through the PRS Scheme. Usually, households who are staying in temporary accommodation provided by the council.

Before a household is accepted on the scheme, the following checks are carried out:

• Families are assessed to ensure they are not ‘intentionally homeless’, for example their reason for homelessness was through no fault of their own.
• Families are interviewed by the Council’s Housing Options Team to ensure they are deemed suitable to manage and maintain their tenancy;
• Where applicable, previous landlords will be contacted to confirm suitability of the tenant.
• Families have no history of anti-social behavior or rent arrears.

A tenant will not be agreed for assistance via the scheme if there is a concern or a doubt regarding their suitability. Our aim is to do as much as we can from the outset to ensure the risk of a tenancy breakdown is kept to a minimum.

Tenancy Agreements

You will be expected to sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement for a minimum of 12 months. Usually, the tenancy will be between the landlord and tenant (We are happy for landlords to provide their own tenancy). A tenancy preparation service is available should you need it.

It is important to remember that a tenancy agreement is a legally binding document once it has been signed. If there is anything you do not understand you should get advice from a solicitor or an advice agency before signing.

Rent and Deposit

In most cases the rent will be paid directly to the landlord from the tenant’s Housing Benefit. Any shortfalls in rent will need to be met by the tenant. We are able to provide
advice and assistance with setting up standing orders to ensure, where rental contributions separate from Housing Benefit do apply, they are paid on time.

Landlords will be offered either a cash deposit or a bond agreement, depending on the location of the property, which is usually equal to one month’s rent. The Council will pay one month’s rent in advance.

Deposit bonds are not required to be registered with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. 

Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

If the tenant is entitled to housing benefit, the amount they will receive will firstly be dependent on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA). The claim is then assessed taking into
account their income, savings and household size. In some cases, we can provide information before a tenancy is signed on whether the household is entitled to receive full
housing benefit.

The LHA rates are published at the beginning of April and are valid for the one year. You can check LHA figures using the ‘rate finder’ on the LHA website. 

Checking the rates will help you find out how much rent you can achieve in advance. It’s a transparent way for landlords to find out how much rent they can achieve on a property.

We will assist the tenant with completing the necessary forms for Housing Benefit and ensure they are submitted to the relevant Housing Benefit department within a set time. There can sometimes be a delay at the start of the tenancy, while the claim is being assessed, although usually, a fast track approach is adopted.

Housing Benefit rents are paid every four weeks in arrears.

What to do next

If you are a landlord or a property agent and wish to either offer your property to let or
require further information then please contact the team who will be happy to assist.
Please ensure you have the following information to hand: 

• Full property address
• Size of property
• Availability date

The Team will explain the lettings process to you and provide you with specific scheme details depending on the location of your property.

Contact Us

If you are interested in finding out more or have a property you wish to let, please do not hesitate to contact us on:

Mobile: 07837 447 366
Landline: 020 8708 4474
Email zafran.hussain@redbridge.gov.uk

Please see our frequently asked questions for further information

Properties will need to meet the standards set out on property standards in private rented sector scheme.