A scheme to make it easier for people facing homelessness in Mansfield to access private rented homes is proving a big success.
The Private Rented Access Scheme was set up by Mansfield District Council in February to help reduce the cost of temporary accommodation and ease the pressure on social housing.
In the first four months, the scheme helped 35 households including 27 children.
The scheme, which has also attracted interest from other councils, is offered to people who are facing homelessness or housed in temporary accommodation, such as hotels and bed and breakfast.
The council facilitates people in these circumstances being rehoused into private rented housing by paying the rental deposits and advanced rent payment to private landlords.
In addition, it also works with RentGuarantor, a private company that offers an insurance-backed service to offer extra security for landlords should a tenant fall into rent arrears.
Of the 35 households helped by the scheme so far, seven were able to access the accommodation because they took out a policy with RentGuarantor.
One tenant helped by the scheme is Caroline (not her real name) who was forced to seek help from the council when her landlord decided to sell the Mansfield property that she and her family were renting.
The married mum, who is disabled with a number of health conditions and has just given birth to her fifth child, said: “I was struggling to get a council house.
“I managed to find a suitable private rented property – a lovely new-build close to where my children go to school. But we just did not have the money to pay the bond and advance rent. It came to over £2,000.
“It has been a nightmare. If the council had not stepped into help, we would have had to stay in our home until the landlord took us to court to force us to leave.
“Now though, we have a lovely new home and my children have been able to stay in the same schools. The council has been fantastic.”
So far 20 landlords have signed up to be included in the scheme. Their properties are checked by the council to ensure they are safe, secure and suitable, to ensure the maximum chance of a tenancy succeeding.
Homlex, a Leicester-based property management company, acts on behalf of one of the landlords that joined the scheme in Mansfield.
Louise Powell, Office Manager for Homlex, said: “We have three properties with Mansfield and are certainly open to expanding this number.
“One of the main concerns for landlords is the risk of missed rent payments and assessing tenant viability. Mansfield’s approach addresses both issues effectively.
“The clarity and specificity of their program make it particularly appealing along with a dedicated point of contact, prompt responses and additional tenant support. I highly recommend this scheme to other landlords.”
Homlex is also encouraging other councils it deals with across the Midlands to adopt similar schemes. Some have been in touch with the Mansfield team to learn more about how it works.
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing at the council, added:
“We are really pleased this scheme is proving effective in helping to rehouse families.
It is being run as a pilot project for a year with the option to extend the scheme if it is successful.