BASILDON Council is calling on south Essex landlords to come forward and take part in its Homefinder Scheme.

The pilot scheme offers private sector landlords cash to rent out properties on assured short-hold tenancies without being charged landlord fees.

The aim is to reduce the burden on temporary accommodation like bed and breakfasts and provide families with good quality, long term sustainable housing.

The council is particularly interested in working with landlords from Basildon, Southend and Thurrock but would work with landlords from further afield.

Incentives include £1,000 plus one month’s rent in advance for 12 month tenancies and £1,500 plus one month’s rent in advance for 24 month tenancies.

The council are also offering practical and financial help with getting a property ready for let.

The council has also teamed up with Coversure Insurance to offer landlords rent guarantee insurance for the first 12 months.

Other benefits include provision of assured short-hold tenancy agreements, fast tracked housing benefit and direct housing benefit payments for borough properties.

There will also be access to expert advice on matters related to letting and a tenancy sustainment service for the life of a tenancy from the Temporary Accommodation and Private Sector Lettings Team.

Cllr Tony Hedley, cabinet member for housing, said: “Homelessness is an issue affecting councils up and down the country but here in Basildon we are finding a range of ways to deal with it and work towards a solution.”

“It’s important we build more affordable homes and we are set to do that through Sempra Homes, our house building company, but it’s also important we reach out to landlords in the south Essex area to appeal to them to provide homes for those who need a roof over their heads.”

“I would urge landlords interested in working with the council to come forward and find out more about the scheme.”

The council will assess the suitability of tenants before introducing them to landlords and ensure that they understand their responsibilities as a tenant and have the means with which to pay their rent.

Contact the Temporary Accommodation and Private Sector Lettings Team on 01268 295379 or by emailing temp.accom@basildon.gov.uk.

Or ask for the Housing Options Manager, Jennifer Gould, on 01268 294040 or email jennifer.gould@basildon.gov.uk