A new service called Cornwall Housing Private Lets has been set up in the west country to try to lure private landlords.

Under a so-called ‘arms length’ arrangement with Cornwall Council, the scheme says it wants to “build partnerships with landlords” to encourage them to allow their properties to be used by rough sleepers, former rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping. 

“This is a unique offer to any private landlord and will help to fulfil our duty to help homeless people and to prevent homelessness in Cornwall. Both tenants and landlords will benefit from having access to our tenancy sustainment support. Whether you are a seasoned landlord or new to the sector our Private Lets team will tailor the tenancy to suit each opportunity” says a spokesman. 

He adds that the service will have no upfront costs and the free tenant finder service for self-managing landlords.

The service to private landlords will consist of property checks, tenant checks, handling housing benefit issues with the tenant, providing a tenancy agreement and legal checks on the property, and informing tax authorities.

The scheme already has 200 privately owned homes to let which it manages, in addition to Cornwall’s existing social housing stock of over 10,500 properties and 300 leaseholds.

It says homes of all sizes are needed in Falmouth/Penryn, Penzance, Truro, Newquay, Camborne, Redruth, St Austell, Bodmin, Liskeard and surrounding areas.