Transcript Slide 1

Bond Scheme
September 2011
The New Bond Scheme
The Bond Scheme will be run by Walsall Council for
properties in the borough
The scheme will help
Private Landlords have greater ‘security’ / peace of
mind in renting
People who are homeless or are threatened with
homelessness to rent from the private sector
www.walsall.gov.uk
What is the Bond Scheme?
Put simply :It’s a written agreement between
Landlord
Applicant and
Walsall Council
Walsall Council will
 Check your property before sign-up &
 Check it at least once a month whilst the tenant is in place
 Be financially responsible for rent arrears and / or cost of any
damage to the property up to the value of one month’s rent
www.walsall.gov.uk
How it works
Applicant seeks assistance from Council for accommodation
Once we approve them we give them an application pack.
If they get benefits they will seek properties in line with LHA
entitlement
Applicant will look for a property through the usual channels
Bond Scheme Officer will also advise of possible property
Property Found
www.walsall.gov.uk
How it works
Property inspection
If property is suitable then inventory & Bond sign up
We will then inspect at least once a month!
If needed we will get the tenant additional support.
Support is available for tenant and Landlord throughout the fir
fixed term of the tenancy
www.walsall.gov.uk
Landlord Benefits
Lots of FREE services and HELP
 Pre tenancy property inspection
 Tenancy inventory completed
 Monthly inspections
 End of tenancy property inspection
 Accompany prospective tenants to view the property
 Free Legal Tenancy Agreement
www.walsall.gov.uk
Landlord Benefits
Lots of FREE services and HELP
 Help with Housing Benefit paperwork
 Verify documents to ensure speedy payment
 Fast track Housing Benefit claims (within 5 working days)
 Safeguard Housing Benefit (paid direct to Landlord where
appropriate )
 Single point of contact and support for Landlords
 Subject to availability - free registration to Midland
Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS)
www.walsall.gov.uk
Other Benefits
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A market rent
We will find the tenants
Long term lets – longer income period
No need for a deposit in a Deposit Protection
Scheme
 Our team has wealth of housing and property
expertise
 If required tenant will be referred to a Tenancy
Officer for support
www.walsall.gov.uk
What we ask of landlords
It is what you would expect – no hidden catches!
 Property must meet minimum statutory requirements
 Gas, Energy Performance and if required Electrical
certificates must be up to date
 All electrical items have had an up to date PAT test.
 Fire Safety measures in place
 Appropriate building insurance in place
 A fair market rent should be charged
www.walsall.gov.uk
What we ask of landlords
It is what you would expect – no hidden catches!
 Landlord will maintain the management of the tenancy
 The tenant must be provided with a copy of the inventory
 Must provide Tenancy Agreement (which we will do)
 Must provide receipts of rent received
 Aim to become a member of an accreditation Scheme –
Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS)
 Ensure appropriate mortgage is in place
www.walsall.gov.uk
Bond Scheme Contacts:
Parmy Sangha –
Homeless Prevention Officer
Tel: 01922 653439
Andy Wilcoxson –
Housing Options Manager
Tel: 01922 652677
Mike Spearman -
Housing Standards Officer
Tel: 01922 652132
www.walsall.gov.uk